TygerBurger | Bellville | E-Edition 17 September 2025
‘No-mow’ to let fynbos flourish
MyCiTi officially the ‘smart’ way to travel: Some 150 MyCiTi bus drivers are undergoing the City’s Smart Driver training to improve driving behaviour, save on fuel, lower carbon emissions, cut on maintenance costs, reduce risk and, above all, increase passenger safety Pictured with Mayco member for Urban Mobility Cllr Rob Quintas (left) and Deputy Mayor Ald Eddie Andrews (right) are drivers Michael Petersen, Philasande Mvuli and Jabu Lawrence Nkala, proudly displaying their certificates Another 400 MyCiTi drivers will complete the programme over the next two years The City introduced the Smart Driver training for all its fleet drivers in 2013
3 Homeownership a reality for more residents
4 Stopping river waste in its tracks
4 Blomvlei repairs in final stretch
Clinic closed no more: Residents of Elsies River and surrounds again have access to the Leonsdale satellite clinic The facility reopened in early August, having closed back in 2021 for renovations, including an overhaul of electricity infrastructure and roof repairs The completion of the electrical work was delayed, as the facility is located in an Eskom supply area The clinic is open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 08:30 until 15:30 The services on offer are child health, reproductive health, screening for HIV, TB and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), and nutritional therapy
New garden bodes well for CY’s future
The revitalisation of Bellville is gathering pace with the recent opening of the Sanlam Urban Garden on the corner of Bill Bezuidenhout and Strand streets The garden – a collaboration between Sanlam, the City and the Greater Tygerberg Partnership – is well aligned with the better bellville together initiative which promotes placemaking to rejuvenate this important urban node.
Not airy-fairy stuff
City needs help containing the creep
Recreation and Parks is actively managing ivy infestations in public spaces. Yet community awareness and action remain critical to control this invasive creeper across town
English ivy (Hedera spp ) is a flowering species from the Araliaceae family and is native to Europe It was originally introduced to South Africa as a groundcover and ornamental climber, but in Cape Town, its rapid spread has become a growing concern in both public and private spaces The Hedera canariensis and Hedera helix are particularly problematic.
Let’s cut it down to size
The ivy is listed as a category 3 invasive species under the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act 10 of 2004 and must be managed accordingly In sensitive or riparian areas, its status escalates to category 1b, requiring control If left unmanaged, ivy blocks a tree’s sunlight and causes branch dieback The added weight that the creeper adds to the distressed tree often results in collapse and also increases the risk of wind damage in open areas. The plant outcompetes and displaces local vegetation, which damages our biodiversity
Creeping up on us: The City is calling on residents to help it control and contain Hedera spp , commonly known as ‘ivy’ or ‘English ivy’ The creeping, climbing invasive plant poses a serious threat to the local environment
KORTLIKS
Inwoners van die Elsiesrivier-omgewing het weer toegang tot die Leonsdale-satellietkliniek, wat in Augustus heropen het. Die kliniek is op Dinsdae en Woensdae van 08:30 tot 15:30 oop en lewer ’n verskeidenheid gesondheidsdienste vir kinders en volwassenes.
Die vernuwing van Bellville is nou goed aan die gang met die onlangse opening van die Sanlam-stadstuin op die hoek van Bill Bezuidenhout- en Strandstraat. Die tuin strook met die inisiatief better bellville. together., wat plekskepping bevorder om nuwe lewe in hierdie belangrike stadsnodus te blaas.
Inwoners se hulp word benodig om Hedera spp , wat ook as ‘klimop’ of ivy bekend is, onder beheer te bring. Dié kruip- en rankplant is ’n indringerspesie wat ’n ernstige bedreiging vir die plaaslike omgewing inhou.
Sowat 150 MyCiTi-busbestuurders ontvang tans Smart Driver-opleiding. Dié kursus van die Stad verbeter bestuurders se gedrag agter die stuur, help verlaag brandstofverbruik, koolstofvrystellings, instandhoudingskoste en risiko, en verbeter veiligheid vir passasiers.
If you have ivy in your garden, use what is left of the cooler months – ivy’s dormant phase – as a strategic opportunity to control or remove it safely, following the steps below:
• Manually pull out the stems and roots. The stems can be removed from the ground of a standing tree Upper vines will die if they are not rooted, so they can be left to rot
• Follow up regularly to remove any new growth
• Dispose of the cuttings responsibly Do not dump trimmings in natural areas, as the plant may re-root and spread.
• Either dry the vine clippings on a plastic or canvas sheet or a paved surface, and then shred, or solarise in black trash bags until the vines are no longer viable.
* Report ivy overgrowth in public spaces by logging a service request via the City’s C3 system. Alternatively, log sightings on the iNaturalist app and website to help the City track infestations.
The City uses placemaking as a vehicle to stimulate jobs, investment and enterprise development across town Research shows that green spaces promote community connections and neighbourhood satisfaction And when people feel connected to one another and a place, they stay longer, spend more, and support local enterprises
In Bellville, the aim is to restore the area into a thriving, mixed-use district. Working in partnership with the community, the City hopes to build momentum block by block space by space, with interventions that breathe life back into neglected corners of this part of town.
A better Bellville, block by block: The reveal of the Sanlam Urban Garden in Bellville was another important step to refresh and revitalise this key urban node of the Mother City
Nieplekvirmabo
MAURICIAPETERSEN
MAURICIA PETERSEN@NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA
Vrou van Parow is erg ontsteld en emosioneel nadat sy ‘n hewige stryd moes voer om haar ma se laaste wens te vervul Sarie Saayman (61) vertel haar ma het verlede jaar op Vrydag 11 Oktober in haar arms gesterf Haar wens was om bo-op haar pa se kis in die Stikland-
begraafplaas begrawe te word Hy is reeds 44 jaar gelede oorlede Saayman was die volgende Maandag besig om die begrafnisreëlings te tref toe sy hoor dat daar nie plek in die Stikland-begraafplaas is nie Haar ma is toe die volgende Maandag 21 Oktober in Durbanville Memorial Park begrawe Wat haar die meeste ontstel het, is dat haar ma en pa betaal het
EFFORTS TO COMBAT AND PREVENT CRIME IN WC DISCUSSED PAGE 2
BADISA HELPS OVER 1 MILLION THROUGH NETWORK OF CARE PAGE 3
KASSELSVLEI TEACHERS WIN TOP AWARDS PAGE 11
p g Vir haar was dit onaanvaarbaar en onregverdig omdat sy nie haar ma se enigste wens kon uitvoer nie Sy het aansoek gedoen om haar pa te laat opgrawe sodat hulle wel op een plek kan lê Haar pa is hierdie jaar in Julie opgegrawe en bo-op haar ma herbegrawe NABLADSY2
No mow, let them grow
To give Cape Town’s spring flowers and fynbos a chance to grow, bloom and seed, the City will again be following a ‘no-mow’ approach at selected public open spaces, greenbelts, road verges and parks from July to November The affected areas will be marked with temporary signage to inform residents of the adjustment to the mowing schedule and encourage respect for these special natural spaces
Many of the earmarked no-mow areas contain remnants of critically endangered vegetation and pockets of high biodiversity, and often serve as corridors that connect larger biodiversity hotspots such as conservation areas, nature reserves and national parks.
Nominate a no-mow area
Residents can help support Cape Town’s unique biodiversity by nominating local parks or green spaces to be included in future nomow areas. Send your suggestions to RP.Enquiries@capetown.gov za.
* To view the full list of no-mow locations across the metro, go to https://bit ly/41Bq61M Areas not on the list will be mowed as per the normal annual schedule
‘Mowratorium’ on cutting:
The City will be halting mowing at selected public parks and open spaces until November so that the Mother City’s endemic and indigenous flowers and fynbos can flourish
Building hope, breaking down barriers as social housing pipeline rolls out
One of this administration’s most important priorities is to break down the unjust spatial legacy of our country’s past – to make our city fairer and more accessible, and to give more Capetonians a better chance at building a life of dignity and prosperity
When people live in difficult circumstances, far from economic opportunities and reliable transport, their options in life effectively shrink.
To build Cape Town into a city of hope for all who live here, we must put far more Capetonians within reach of those opportunities, and break down the barriers that keep them locked out
That is why our pledge to speed up the delivery of more affordable housing across town is so important
At our Council meeting in August, we took another big step forward on this mission when we handed over one of the best-located parcels of land in the city centre – the ‘Fruit & Veg’ site at the top of Roeland Street – to our private-sector developer partner for a mixed-use development that will include 237 social housing units
These units are subsidised rental flats aimed at those with a monthly
A MESSAGE FROM
THE EXECUTIVE MAYOR
household income of less than R22 000. We now have around 12 000 such units at various stages of development in our social housing pipeline, of which 4 000 are in inner-city areas such as Woodstock, Salt River and Maitland. This offers tenants easy access to services, opportunities and amenities
Tenants of the ‘Fruit & Veg’ development specifically – so called for the Food Lover’s Market store, formerly known as Fruit & Veg City, located there – will have the entire city centre on their doorstep, with MyCiTi bus stops just a block away There are
schools nearby, and the Cape Peninsula University of Technology is just a short stroll away This is the kind of address that can instantly change people’s lives
This model where we partner with the private sector holds the key to unlocking affordable housing for thousands more families. Developers who bid on these discounted properties have to deliver a minimum number of social housing units as part of their mixed-use development And should they fail to meet this threshold, ownership of the property would revert to the City
Our friends at Province, too, have three exciting inner-city projects in their social housing pipeline. We will continue to play an enabling role to support these provincial projects, as well as to contribute financially where we can
Project by project, we are chipping away at the massive demand for affordable housing in the metro, and giving more Cape Town families the chance to reimagine their future and restart their dreams.
Geordin Hill-Lewis Cape Town Mayor
Western Cape dam levels slightly lower than this time last year
The dam levels for Cape Town are sitting at 92,4% The City is aiming for an overall usage target of 650 million litres per day – which means Capetonians should still try to use less than 105 litres per person per day
Protect our water resources by following water-wise guidelines Residents and businesses are reminded that the permanent regulations contained in the City’s Water By-law still apply across Cape Town, regardless of the
restriction level
Municipal water may be used in gardens only before 09:00 or after 18:00, but never to hose down paved areas
• Visit www capetown gov za/thinkwater or www capetown gov za/waterregulations to access the regulations
Once-off write-off a chance to reset
Support
stop there Aside from the debt write-off initiative, the City
KORTLIKS
Een van die administrasie se belangrikste prioriteite is om die onbillike ruimtelike nalatenskap van ons land se verlede reg te stel Dít is waarom die Stad se belofte om die voorsiening van bekostigbare behuising te bespoedig so belangrik is Vir dié doel is een van die bes geleë stukke Stadsgrond in die middestad – die ‘Fruit & Veg’-terrein in Roelandstraat – onlangs aan n privaatsektorvennoot oorhandig om ’n gemengdegebruikontwikkeling te bou wat 237 sosiale behuisingseenhede sal insluit
Om die stad se lenteblomme en fynbos n kans te gee om te groei, te blom en saad te skiet, staak die Stad weer van Julie tot November
* To find out more about the debt write-off drive, visit your nearest walk-in centre, or email payment arrangements@capetown.gov.za For more on other relief options, email rates rebate@capetown gov za or indigent relief@capetown gov za Alternatively, dial 0860 103 089 for info on all City assistance
KHAWUNDIBALISELE
grassnyaktiwiteite in sekere openbare oop ruimtes, groenstroke, parke en op party padrande Die 1 661 verkeersligkruisings in Kaapstad verbeter veiligheid vir voetgangers en motoriste en laat die verkeer aanhou vloei Stukkende verkeersligte kan chaos veroorsaak op ons besige paaie, en reistye drasties verleng As jy op enige stukkende of swak gesinchroniseerde ligte afkom, meld dit so gou moontlik aan
Die begroting vir 2025/26 maak voorsiening vir die afskrywing van sowat R2,2 miljard se ou skuld vir kwalifiserende begunstigdes Met die afskrywing onderneem begunstigdes om voortaan hulle skuld te betaal Indien nie word afskrywings omgekeer
. Die Tygerbergse tuin- en Blommeklub kom by die NG kerk Parow Welgelegen (La Provencestraat 47, Welgelegen) van 09:30 vir 10:00 byeen. Die sprekers is Tracey Cole (Village Garden) oor "Edible herb gardens and designs" en Diana de Vos en Francoise Schaaf oor "Iets uit niets - blomhouers" Tee word vanaf 09:30 voorsien. Kontak Beatrix Lambert-Bestbier by 082 873 9864 met navrae
SATURDAY20SEPTEMBER
. The annual #IAMABLE Fun Run hosted by Alta du Toit School and Job-Abled NPC is back. The event raises funds and awareness for people living with disabilities. Participants can choose between 2,5km and 5km routes, either in person or virtually Tickets cost R100 and include a race number, goodie bag, and entry into lucky draws with prizes like getaways and gift vouchers. Race entries for learners can also be sponsored at R100 each. Race tickets are available via Entry Ninja. Contact Simone Nel via email on gm@ jobabled co.za with sponsorship or other enquiries. . Celebrate the arrival of spring with the Friends of Bracken Nature Reserve with a day filled with fun activities music entertainment food stalls and nature appreciation. Highlights include a 5km fun run starting at 08:00 at R40 for adults and R20 for children. Register on Quicket Visitors can enjoy guided walks, a talk on the history of the Bracken's signal cannon and a cannon firing at 12:00 The best spring outfit on the day wins the chance to fire a cannon. Festival entry is free
SONDAG21SEPTEMBER
. Die NG kerk Bellville Riebeeck hou om 09:30 'n kleur- en klankvolle Erfenisdiens gelei deur ds. Martin Steyn met die titel "Nie net monumente nie". Pragtige kleurskyfies, heerlike samesang en 'n uitvoering deur 'n kerkkoor onder leiding van Gloudina Roux, wat drie nuwe geestelike liedere sing, is op die program. Almal is welkom. Die diens word direk op YouTube uitgesaai en is later op Facebook beskikbaar
TUESDAY23SEPTEMBER
. The Egyptian Society of South Africa will be having their next meeting at St George's Grammar school, Richmond Road, Mowbray, from 19:30 The guest speaker, Prof Sebastian van As, will present a lecture titled: "The Origin of the World according to Ancient Egyptians". There is no charge for members, while it costs R30 for visitors. Booking is not necessary There is secure parking in the school grounds. For more information please call 021 852 7273 or 084 774 3972.
WOENSDAG24SEPTEMBER
. ’n Begeleide toer word op Erfenisdag deur die Durbanville-Erfenisvereniging by die Afrikaanse Taalmonument aangebied. Dit begin om 11:00 Vriende en familie is welkom. Stuur ‘n e-pos na durbanvilleheritage@gmail.com met navrae of vir meer inligting Bevestig bywoning teen Maandag 15 September by https://forms.gle/w7zaasiFjksY1JP76
. Die NG kerk Panorama hou 'n braaidag en pretloop Die pretloop is perfek vir vinnige drawwers en gemaklike stappers. Boereworsrolle, koffie en ´n lekker kuier wag daarna op besoekers. Belangstellendes word aangemoedig om hul familie, vriende en selfs hul troeteldiere saam te bring. Kaartjies is by die kerkwinkel beskikbaar Besoek http://shop.parow-panorama.co za of skakel 021 930 3100 Stuur ‘n e-pos na kantoor@ parow-panorama.co.za met navrae
. Join the Durbanville Heritage Society for a guided tour at the Afrikaanse Taalmonument in Paarl on Heritage Day, 24 September at 11:00 RSVP via this link: https://docs.google com/forms/d/1jF1fED4Y2JQfg2HxyxB66mb1-xibMSJ7YwqYzj4twPM/edit
SUNDAY28SEPTEMBER
. The Cape Welsh Choir presents Why we sing –together a concert collaboration with CwmBach Male Choir, a Welsh male voice choir touring South Africa for the first time since 1997 Their tour starts in Cape Town and the concert will be presented in the Nassau Auditorium of Groote Schuur High School, 77 Palmyra Road, Newlands. Tickets are available from Quicket at R150 each.
SATERDAG4OKTOBER
. Die Bellville Senior Sentrum/Chrismar Villas hou van 09:00 tot 11:00 hul jaarlikse tradisionele basaar by Jessiestraat 25, Chrismar in Bellville Al die tradisionele lekkernye soos pannekoek, basaarpoeding, jaffels, vetkoek, hamburgers, boereworsrolle, pampoenkoekies en roosterkoeke sal daar wees, asook die heerlikste tuisgebakte lekkernye Winskopies en verrassings wag by die plaas-, wit olifant- en handwerktafel en vir die boekwurms is daar 'n boeketafel. Geniet 'n versnapering in die kafeteria. Chrismar Villas se eie orkes sal musiek maak. Koskaartjies kan op die dag gekoop word of voor die tyd gedurende kantoorure (Maandag tot Vrydag van 08:00 tot 12:00) of by 021 910 1250 Kaartfasiliteite is beskikbaar
TfimShe Western Cape Provincial Safety Council convened on Wednesday 10 September to strengthen its approach to fighting crime and improving community safety across the province
The meeting, chaired by Premier Alan Winde, brought together a range of stakeholders including the police, municipalities, and academic institutions
The council provides strategic oversight of crime prevention efforts and promotes evidence-based decisions and innovation to address safety challenges
Opening the meeting, Winde acknowledged the ongoing struggle residents face due to high crime rates
“Our residents are feeling the impact of high crime levels more than ever before We must build stronger partnerships with a joint approach to addressing this issue,” he said
SAFETYPLAN
Winde praised the City of Cape Town for recently deploying 700 new metro police officers – the largest investment in personnel in a decade This includes a dedicated neighbourhood deployment for each ward in the city
The council also reviewed progress on the Western Cape Safety Plan, highlighting key focus areas:
Ongoing stakeholder consultation; Strengthening community safety forums; Pushing for greater devolution of policing powers; Addressing police underresourcing in the province; and directing more resources to high-crime areas
Council members agreed that faster implementation of the Safer Cities Cooperation Agreement – signed by the Western Cape Government, national government, the police, and the City of Cape Town – is essential
While some crime categories show modest improvements, Winde noted that many communities, especially those affected by gangsterism, are yet to feel any real difference
“There is a need to intensify crimefighting efforts, but we must also focus on preventing violence,” he added
TACKLINGVIOLENCEANDGANGSTERISM
Following the Safety Council meeting, Winde hosted a digicon discussing violence prevention strategies such as the Violence Prevention Unit (VPU), managed by the provincial Department of Health and Wellness
The VPU uses data from healthcare facilities to develop targeted interventions addressing the root causes of violence in communities
The digicon also featured a discussion on the provincial government's latest Policing Needs and Priorities (PNP) report for 2025'26 This legislated report aims to shape policing strategies and guide the allocation of resources
The province continues to face chronic underfunding despite high crime levels
Recommendation: Allocate funding based on crime severity and community needs
. Human Resources: Police staffing has declined, even as the population grows In some hotspots, officer-to-resident ratios reach 1:962
Recommendation: Fill vacancies, revise recruitment and training models
. Infrastructure and Equipment: Several police stations are in poor condition and face shortages in vehicles Recommendation: Upgrade facilities, decentralise servicing and modernise technology
Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Anroux Marais, noted that despite these challenges, the police in the Western Cape have recognised the value of the PNP report and is using its recommendations to improve service delivery and strategic interventions
ORGANISEDCRIME
The Premier’s special guest at the digicon was Mark Shaw, Executive Director of the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime –the world’s largest organised crime think tank With one of its 14 global observatories based in Cape Town, the organisation is well-acquainted with local challenges
“It is not only the Western Cape that is affected by organised crime and gangsterism This is a huge challenge globally,” said Shaw
“We need a strategic, joined-up response We need to work together to bring together all the resources we can in a coordinated way " He outlined six recommendations for fighting organised crime:
. Ensure strong political will;
. Develop a clear and unified strategy;
. Disrupt criminal financial networks, including through the South African Revenue Service;
. Address resourcing gaps;
. Prioritise the removal of illegal firearms; and . Build community resilience to reduce the influence of gangs
Winde concluded, “Ultimately, we must prevent violence by building a safer society from the ground up ” . Visit https://youtu.be/SKxfLk72_S0 to watch a recording of the digicon
Premier Alan Winde,Anroux Marais (provincial minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety) and Mark Shaw (executive director,Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime).
Pet sterilisation partnership continues
In July, the City funded another pet sterilisation drive in partnership with the Cape Animal Welfare Forum (CAWF), this time in Ravensmead, Elsies River and Bellville South
Aimed at advancing animal and community health, the partnership with CAWF started in 2013, when 1 800 pets were sterilised in Dunoon and Brown’s Farm Since then 17 876 animals have been sterilised at a cost of nearly R8 million Areas that have benefited include Khayelitsha, Wesbank, Atlantis, Wallacedene, Tafelsig, the Deep South, Macassar and Eerste River
Participating organisations are the Animal Rescue Organisation, Animal Anti-Cruelty League, Animal Welfare Society of South Africa, the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, Envirovet and Vetsol. Collectively, they will sterilise a total of 1 500 domestic pets between August and December this year
Happy pets, happy people
The objectives of the partnership are to prevent unwanted litters, minimise animal cruelty and abuse, encourage responsible pet care, and raise general standards of animal health and husbandry, thereby improving the health and welfare of communities
Deed drive speeds past halfway mark
In the past six months, the City has issued a record-breaking 1 048 title deeds as part of its renewed strategy to ensure that residents who are owed a title deed to a City unit receive it as soon as possible. This brings the total number of deeds delivered since the launch of the new strategy to over 6 500, with less than 5 000 to go This excellent progress is thanks to the City’s integrated deed verification, processing and delivery system, which has enabled targeted outreach, including door-to-door visits to speed up the handover process.
Due for a deed?
If you are a qualifying beneficiary in an older City housing complex and you haven’t received your title deed, please contact the City Over the next few months, the City’s Human Settlements bus will also be visiting areas across the metro Do make use of this opportunity to enquire about your deed.
Capetonians, keep ’em peeled, please!
Smash-and-grabs are on the increase. While the City is deploying more resources to patrol hotspots, residents are also urged to remain vigilant.
In 2024/25, the Metro Police’s security camera network detected 215 smashand-grabs The corridor between Bonteheuwel and Langa remains the biggest hotspot However increases have also been seen in areas such as Leonsdale, Beaconvale, the Cape Town Foreshore, Elsies River Industria, Epping Industria, Milnerton and Philippi
When you sit back, they strike
Most of the smash-and-grabs occurred in the late afternoon and early evening, and the frequency of incidents increased over weekends This may be because motorists are less vigilant after a long day at work or while relaxing on a weekend, making them vulnerable to these opportunistic criminals Of course, having valuables in plain sight in vehicles, such as shopping bags on backseats, increases the odds of being robbed
As the City’s surveillance network only detects incidents within the camera footprint, and not all incidents are
Forewarned is forearmed: Metro Police officers conducting an awareness drive at a smash-and-grab hotspot to alert motorists to the risk and advise them on steps to protect themselves
reported to SAPS, it is nearly impossible to determine the full extent of the problem However, hotspot areas with camera coverage are monitored for suspicious persons, and resources are dispatched wherever possible Static patrols are also conducted in areas that are particularly problematic
Upping resources to deter robbers Moreover, dedicated daily patrols by
City to sound out public on Bellville land release
In the first half of 2026, the City will embark on a public participation process regarding the release of a portion of municipal land in Bellville for mixed-use development. The site (circled in yellow on the aerial image below) is a 2,2 ha portion of erf 13601 in Stikland The City is proposing that it be used for the development of a long-distance bus terminus along with supporting mixeduse commercial and retail facilities Having mixed-use development alongside the terminus could be a great opportunity to support local businesses, improve transport linkages, and shape the future of the greater Bellville area.
Talks will be inclusive
Stakeholder engagement will include the informal vehicle traders currently operating on the site, whom Council has temporarily allowed to trade there. The City will undertake an audit to determine the extent of informal trading on the site as per the original resolution, and will ensure that everyone is included in the process
The proposal forms part of the City’s consolidated land release programme. Through this programme, the administration is actively pursuing better use of public land, both for the benefit of residents and to support the priorities of the Integrated Development Plan
Metro Police and Traffic Services Highway Patrol Unit boost freeway safety on the N2, N7, R300 and N1, with additional deployments planned on the N2 and surrounds this financial year The deployment footprint on the N2 extends from Nelson Mandela Boulevard up to Sir Lowry’s Pass, including Baden Powell Drive, Borcherds Quarry Road and the Airport Approach Road
Pointers not to fall prey
Reduce the risk of a smash-andgrab by:
• keeping valuables out of sight –lock them in the boot or store them underneath the car seat;
• locking all doors and closing windows;
• being cautious, vigilant and aware of your surroundings; and
• being wary of people loitering at traffic lights or intersections, including those attempting to hand you pamphlets or sell goods, as not all are legitimate vendors.
* Report suspicious persons loitering at busy intersections Call the City s Public Emergency Communication Centre at 021 480 7700
* For information, or to update your details on the Housing Needs Register, phone 021 444 0333, email housing db@capetown gov za, or enter ‘Housing Needs Register in the search box on www.capetown.gov.za.
KORTLIKS
Die Stad en die Kaapse Dierewelsynsforum het in Julie nóg ’n sterilisasieveldtog vir troeteldiere in Ravensmead, Elsiesrivier en Bellville-Suid aangebied Altesaam 215 grypaanvalle is in 2024/25 op die metropolisie se sekuriteitskameras vasgelê. Die korridor tussen Bonteheuwel en Langa bly die grootste brandpunt, hoewel grypaanvalle deur die hele stad toeneem.
Die Stad het die afgelope ses maande ’n rekordgetal van 1 048 titelaktes uitgereik as deel van ’n hernude strategie om te sorg dat inwoners aan wie titelaktes vir hulle Stadseenhede verskuldig is dit ontvang Daar is nou reeds meer as 6 500 titelaktes oorhandig, en minder as 5 000 bly oor
Ready for release: The public will be consulted on a proposal to release this portion of City-owned Stikland land for the development of a long-distance bus terminus and associated mixed-use development
KHAWUNDIBALISELE
’n Proses van openbare deelname oor die vrystelling van ’n stuk munisipale grond in Bellville vir gemengdegebruikontwikkeling sal in die eerste helfte van 2026 plaasvind Verskeie inwoners het die afgelope tyd sleutels vir nuwe behuising of titelaktes vir hulle bestaande Stadseenhede ontvang. Dít sluit in inwoners van Valhalla Park en Bishop Lavis, sowel as begunstigdes van die Bonteheuwel-tussenbehuisingsprojek en die Belhar-Pentech-projek, waar onregmatige besetters groot vertragings veroorsaak het
Asa non-profit social services organisation, Badisa serves communities through 134 local programmes and branches across the Western, Northern, and Eastern Cape with a simple mission to support those in need.
In the 2024-2025 financial year, Badisa increased its impact with 1 079 097 individuals reached through their network of care - from child protection to elderly care, early childhood development, substance dependency support and disability care This milestone was shared during the organisation’s Annual General Meeting, held on Wednesday 10 September at Vredelust Church in Boston, under the theme “Futureproofing Badisa”
“Behind every number is a story A child protected, a family supported, an elder person comforted,” said Badisa CEO, Basie van Wyk “We are proud of our team of 3 700 staff and 2 645 volunteers who make this possible every day ”
KUUMBACARE
A highlight of the evening was the official launch of the Kuumba Care Day, themed "Colour the World with Care", which reflects Badisa’s commitment to instilling a culture of compassion that extends from within the organisation to communities across South Africa
In 2022, Kuumba Care was established by Badisa Tygerberg A fictional character named Kuumba from Rainbow Land is dedicated to assisting vulnerable children on Earth Badisa launched the Kuumba Care Programme, where “Kuumba” literally means "to use our creativity, to do as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than before"
The dedicated Kuumba Care Day, set to take place on 6 March 2026, will serve as an annual celebration of creativity, compassion, and community care
As part of the campaign, a special Kuumba sticker was introduced at R20
1079097
The number of individuals reached through Badisa’s network of care in its 2024-2025 financial year
“We see Kuumba as a canvas Each sticker is a way for people to express support for our work and learn more about the care we provide,” said chair of Badisa's board, Rev Charl van Rensburg The campaign will continue to roll out across Badisa branches and digital platforms in the months leading up to the inaugural Kuumba Care Day next year . Visit www.badisa.org.za to view the Annual Report and learn how you can get involved. Contact kuumba@badisa.org.za for more information.
Oakdale club turns 50
Oakdale Bowling Club is thrilled to celebrate its 50th anniversary this year
To mark the occasion, the club is hosting a season-opening event on Saturday 27 September at 14:00
In partnership with Suit Up September, the event will feature a Guinness World Record attempt, whereby bowlers in the Western Cape will play with ties to raise awareness for Prostate Cancer Founded in 1975, Oakdale Bowling Club has grown from a modest one-green facility into a thriving community of over 80 bowlers, including more than 30 enthusiastic novices
“We’re not just celebrating 50 years of bowls,” says the club president, Richard Truter
“We’re celebrating 50 years of friendships, memories, and the incredible spirit that makes Oakdale so special ” With a renewed energy and a growing membership, the club continues to thrive through active coaching and creative events
Sy vertel verder dit het haar duisende rande ekstra gekos om die hele proses uit te voer sonder enige hulp Saayman sê sy wil mense bewus maak wat reeds vir dubbele grafte in die Stikland-begraafplaas betaal het dat hul geliefdes dalk nie hul wens sal kan nakom om saam begrawe te word nie
Vir haar was hierdie ‘n baie traumatiese ervaring, wat haar lewe omver gegooi het
Sy wil ook hê mense moet bewus wees daarvan dat indien jy vir ‘n dubbele graf betaal het, jy dit nie noodwendig gaan kry nie, en dat jy die ekstra onkoste self moet dra indien jy ‘n geliefde wil laat opgrawe
TWEEDEBEGRAFNISSE‘NIEGEWAARBORG’ Jan Kruger, mediabeampte by die Stad Kaapstad se direktoraat vir toekomsbeplanning en veerkragtigheid, sê: “Hoewel die Stad die heropening van private grafte vir tweede begrafnisse van dieselfde familie bevorder, kan dit ongelukkig nie gewaarborg word nie Volgens hom skryf die verordening oor begraafplase, krematoria en begrafnisondernemers van 2011 (Hoofstuk 2, “Beskikking oor en teraardebestelling van ‘n liggaam”) voor dat alle grafte ‘n minimumdiepte van 1400 mm moet wees Die verordening lui verder: “Die reg op
verseker dat kiste op voldoende diepte begrawe word om plek vir ‘n tweede kis te verseker, verduidelik hy Hy sê begrafnisondernemers word in kennis gestel van hierdie risiko en moet hierdie risiko aan hul kliënte verduidelik Die Stad neem wel kennis van hierdie voorval en noem dat Saayman se pa se kis met hul hulp opgegrawe en herbegrawe is
“Met verwysing na die verordeninge en omstandighede buite ons beheer, is bevind dat die pa se kis in Stikland-begraafplaas te vlak was - minder as 1,4 m onder grondvlak, wat dit onmoontlik maak om die tweede kis van haar moeder bo-op te begrawe,” sê Kruger
Volgens hom was dit protokol dat die familie hierdie situasie moes aanvaar aangesien hulle verkies het om die ma in ‘n private begraafplaas te begrawe
“Die departement het die opgrawingspermit en -proses met volle samewerking van die familie gefasiliteer, sodat die pa opgegrawe en in Durbanville saam met sy oorlede vrou begrawe kon word volgens haar wense Die parkeen ontspanningsafdeling het met die familie gekommunikeer en die kwessie is vriendskaplik opgelos,” sê hy
Whether you're a league player or just curious about the game, Oakdale offers a warm, family-friendly atmosphere where everyone is welcome
Visitors are invited to join the festivities on 27 September and be part of a recordbreaking moment that supports a vital cause
“Here’s to 50 years of Oakdale Bowling Club - and to the next 50 filled with even more laughter, legacy, and lawn bowls ”
From left: Rev Charl van Rensburg (Badisa chair),Kuumba (Badisa’s fictional character),and Basie van Wyk (Badisa CEO)
Badisa’s fictional character,Kuumba from Rainbow Land,is dedicated to assisting vulnerable children on Earth.
Sarie Saayman se pa was vir 44 jaar in die Stikland-begraafplaas begrawe
Power for Tower 37 families
The 46 families who had been relocated from the Eskom National Transmission Company (NTCSA) Tower 37 site in Langa to a safer site in the same area received grid power in mid-August. The switch-on brings safe and reliable electricity to the households living on the emergency relocation site In May, the City had to intervene to protect the residents living under the NTCSA pylon, which had become severely unstable due to damage and vandalism In a massive operation, they were moved to safety After the successful relocation, NTCSA formally took over the Tower 37 site to carry out repairs and maintenance on the infrastructure
we’ve got light: Nkosinathi Bakubaku was one of the beneficiaries of the City’s recent switch-on of grid power for the families who had been relocated from the perilous Eskom Tower 37 site in Langa
Limits of the law
In terms of the Municipal Finance Management Act, the City may not use public money to enhance private property This means that only those backyarders and informal settlement dwellers residing on City-owned property can be assisted with electrification and other projects, and also only where site conditions allow
KORTLIKS
Trash traps help fight
river pollution
Waste interceptors are proving to be an affordable, adaptable and effective solution to trap river litter, stopping it from reaching the ocean.
To help gather and remove waste from Cape Town’s waterbodies, the City has invested R3 million in the installation of 20 waste interceptors in polluted rivers and waterways across town
In Area Central interceptors are located in the Bonteheuwel canal along the N2; the Spoordam pond in Railway Road; the Vygekraal river at the intersection of Jakes Gerwel Drive and Klipfontein Road; and the Jakkalsvlei canal in Langa
So simple, it’s genius!
Waste interceptors are simple yet effective systems designed to trap floating litter and debris before it enters larger waterbodies or reaches the ocean. They offer an affordable and adaptable solution for litter reduction, tailored to hold specific volumes
of typical types of waste found at each location. All interceptors are maintained regularly according to a routine schedule. Cleaning takes place at least twice per week, and before and after rainfall events.
* The interceptors are already having a remarkable impact on the environment, so please help the City safeguard these systems Report any tampering or vandalism Dial 107 from a landline, 021 480 7700 from a cellphone, or log it online at www capetown gov za/ servicerequests
Good catch: The newly installed waste interceptors are proving to do the trick, trapping trash in some of Cape Town’s most polluted waterways This one located in the Soet river yielded a catch of 600 bags of litter
Post-collapse repairs on Blomvle
Following the 2024 collapse of a section of the Blomvlei canal wall in Belgravia, the City got to work on structural repairs The R2,7 million project is now in its final stages Built several decades ago, the concrete structure of the canal had deteriorated over time and could no longer withstand intense winter weather Before the damaged sections of the canal wall and concrete floor could be demolished, the affected area first had to be cleared and grubbed, and water diverted from the work zone Teams then proceeded with excavations along the canal structure, installed subsoil drainage systems and finally reconstructed the reinforced concrete wall
Crucial corridor
The canal is an important urban drainage corridor in Cape Town’s Salt river catchment It starts in Hanover Park and flows through
Die 46 gesinne wat van Eskom se Toring 37-terrein in Langa na ’n veiliger terrein in dieselfde gebied verskuif moes word, het in mid-Augustus kragaansluitings ontvang. Dit verseker nou veilige en betroubare elektrisiteit vir die huishoudings wat op die noodverskuiwingsterrein woon Kragtens die Wet op Munisipale Finansiële Bestuur mag die Stad nie openbare geld gebruik om privaat eiendom te verbeter nie. Daarom kan die munisipaliteit slegs agterplaasbewoners en inwoners van informele nedersettings op Stadseiendom met elektrifisering bystaan. Om vullis uit Kaapstad se watermassas te help verwyder, het die Stad R3 miljoen bestee aan die installering van 20 afvalonderskeppers in besoedelde riviere en waterlope.
Penlyn Estate, Rylands, Athlone and Bridgetown before joining the Vygieskraal river Finally, it drains into the Black river, which ultimately flows
Building back better: City teams are in the home stretch of the structural rehabilitation of a section of the Blomvlei canal wall in Belgravia
Nadat ’n deel van die muur by die Blomvleikanaal in Belgravia in 2024 in duie gestort het, het die Stad aan die werk gespring met strukturele herstelwerk Die projek van R2 7 miljoen is nou byna klaar Die betonstruktuur van die kanaal is etlike dekades gelede gebou, en verswakking oor die jare het dit laat meegee
Die Stad se biblioteek en inligtingsdienste het in die wintervakansie weer ’n boetevrye week aangebied, veral met die oog op biblioteekgebruikers onder 17-jarige ouderdom Jong lesers het byna 11 000 items ter waarde van meer as R1,3 miljoen teruggebring Dít sluit in agterstallige boeke, strokiesverhale oudioboeke, tydskrifte, DVD’s en CD’s.
Fine Free Week delivers ‘great returns’: During Library and Information Services Fine Free Week in July, hosted in the school holidays to target City library patrons below the age of 17, young readers returned nearly 11 000 items worth more than R1,3 million These included overdue books, comics, audiobooks, magazines, DVDs and CDs For details on how to join a City library, enter ‘City library membership’ in the search box on www capetown gov za, or visit your nearest library Once registered, you’ll be able to check out your first batch of books the very same day
The days of queuing for hours to renew your vehicle licence disc are officially over Motorists can now renew their vehicle licence discs in under five minutes without leaving their cars
The City of Cape Town has launched South Africa's first drive-through vehicle licensing renewal facility in Brackenfell, transforming a tedious bureaucratic process into a swift, seamless experience
This pioneering facility allows motorists to renew their vehicle licence discs without stepping foot outside their cars Early trials show the entire process takes
MOTORISTS CAN RENEW THEIR VEHICLE LICENCE DISCS IN ABOUT FIVE MINUTES WITHOUT LEAVING THEIR CARS
less than five minutes when paperwork is in order
CASHLESSANDCONVENIENT
The facility operates exclusively for motor vehicle licence renewals and accepts only debit and credit card payments no cash is kept on the premises
"The City is excited to bring this innovation to Brackenfell," said Mayco member for finance Siseko Mbandezi "The drive-through aims to make life easier for
motorists now you can simply drive up, pay by card, receive your new disc and be on your way
"This new facility is another innovation ensuring the City remains the most trusted and convenient motor vehicle licence renewal agent We encourage motorists to experience the convenience of renewing your disc from the comfort of your vehicle," says Mbandezi
Motorists who've received SMS renewal notices need only present their mobile phones The drive-through vehicle licensing renewal facility located on the
open Monday to Friday grom 11:30 to 19:30 and on Saturdays between 11:00 and 14:30
The City, acting as agents for the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), is working to extend weekday operating hours, with new times to be announced shortly Plans are already underway to explore additional drive-through locations across the city
This launch follows the City's successful rollout of its online booking system, which allows residents to schedule appointments for motor vehicle licensing and registrations, municipal account payments, general enquiries and payment arrangements
The online booking service is currently available at selected branches with
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"I’ve spent my life teaching in a community where resources are scarce, but spirit is abundant We’ve faced challenges, yes but we’ve also built resilience, unity, and joy This award reminds me that transformation doesn’t come from grand gestures it comes from daily acts of care, consistency, and courage
“I accept this recognition not for myself alone, but for the collective For the staff who walk beside me, the children who inspire me, and the values that guide me: dignity, justice, and inclusion " Over the years, Rinkwest faced many challenges The awards ceremony took place at Durbanville High School on 26 July for district level, and at The Westin Hotel in Cape town on 15 August for provincial level and the Nationals will take place in October, in Johannesburg
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Teacher Lorinda Rinkwest
attached to the offer, there may be an opportunity well-reasoned and confident offer
Source: Seeff Property Group (Propstats/Lightstone data) shows an infographic generated by AI
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Bellville Primary celebrates stellar rugby season
The Bellville Primary u-13 rugby team can look back proudly on a season filled with hard work, determination and outstanding results
Their journey began at the Bellville High School Rugby Tournament, where the team made an immediate statement of intent Facing strong opposition, they rose to the challenge and finished the tournament unbeaten, winning all three of their matches against Labiance Primary, Bellville North Primary, and Excelsior Primary School
The momentum carried into the league season, where Bellville Primary continued to dominate, securing an impressive
80% win rate Week after week, the players displayed discipline, teamwork, and a hunger for victory, earning them recognition as one of the top-performing teams in the surrounding schools
KEYRESULTS:
Bellville High School Rugby Tournament:
.Bellville Primary 5 - Labiance 0
.Bellville Primary 10 - 0 Bellville North
.Bellville Primary 20 - 10 Excelsior
.Bellville Primary 32 – 0 Labiance
.Bellville Primary 22 – 12 Bellville South
.Bellville Primary 52 – 0 Meridian Pinehurst
.Bellville Primary 26 - 5 Labiance
.Bellville Primary 12 – 7 Bellville North
.Bellville Primary 24 – 7 De Vrije Zee Primary
.Bellville Primary 32 – 22 Totius Primary (in the first ever up and under x-play tournament)
With these results, Bellville Primary showcased not only their skill but also their consistency across the season
COACHES’CONTRIBUTION
The team’s success would not have been possible without the guidance and commitment of coaches Logan Cairncross (UNIMIL 1st team conditioning coach) and Thamar Bukasa, who worked tirelessly
to develop the players both on and off the field Their efforts in instilling discipline, strategy, and confidence in the squad were evident in every match played
The standout player is Bellville u-13 captain Emmanuel Panzu who scored a remarkable 21 tries this season
Bellville Primary u-13 rugby’s achievements this year have set a new standard for the team
Beating the majority of schools in the surrounding area, the players have established themselves as a force to be reckoned with, and their season will be remembered as one of pride and accomplishment
