TygerBurger | Bellville | E-edition | 22 April 2026

CRIME FIGHTERSTAKE PART IN

Patrolle tosignific crimedr

MAURICIAPETERSEN

MAURICIA.PETERSEN@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

Apatrolacross all six Bellville sectors resulted in asignificant dropincrimeover theweekend, following aseries of arrests in thearea earlier in the week.

The operation,conducted on Friday 10 April between 20:00 and22:00, involved a coordinated effort between Bellville police, neighbourhood watches, Community in Bluemembers, andarmed response serviceproviders.

Thepatrol comesafter several highprofile incidents in Bellville during the week,includingadrug bust on Tuesday 7 April where SJC Security officers seized 16 packets of cocaineworth R12000, and thearrest of three suspects on Thursday 9April followingashoplifting spree that nettedgoods worth overR6000.

On Tuesday, SJC Tactical security officers located asilver Volkswagen Polo at Frans Conradie andParadys Street traffic lights afterreceiving an alert about suspected drug activity.

Thevehiclewas followedtothe Engen Garage in OldOak,where officers found cocaine hidden in asock behind the steering wheel.

Thesuspect appeared in Bellville

“Thesee

Magistrates’ Court the following day. Two days later, BassettAlarms officers arrested three suspects after they stole meat worth R3 000 from abutcheryand additional goods valued at over R3 000 from other retail outlets.

Thesuspects were tracked down through coordinated CCTVmonitoring and rapid response.

JOINTPATROLYIELDSRESULTS

TheFriday evening patrol, which included both vehicle and foot patrols, led to several arrests and the confiscation of contraband and dangerous weapons by members conducting foot patrols. Bellville Community Police Forum chair Marius Coetser commended all role players for their outstanding execution of the operation, describing it as “a true reflection of unified effort and shared commitment”.

Threearrested forshoplifting

MAURICIAPETERSEN

MAURICIA.PETERSEN@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

Three people were arrestedon Thursday 9April following ashoplifting incidentinBellville Bassett Alarms’ Control Room received a reportofashoplifting incident at around 11:55atalocal fuel station convenience store. An officer was dispatched and arrived on scene within minutes. After reviewing CCTV footage,a detailed description of the suspects and their vehicle was obtained. Asecond officer joinedshortly and acoordinated search strategy was put into action. With time being critical, members they checked nearby fuel stations and surrounding areas. Within lessthan 10 minutes, aBassett Alarms officer successfully identified the suspect’sin Durban Road.

TACTICALAPPROACHLEADSTOCAPTURE

CAUGHT IN THE ACT

Threesuspects were arrestedafter stealing goods from severalstoresduring coordinated operation

PHOTO:FACEBOOK/ BASSETTALARMS

The officer kept visual contact while communicating live updatesover the radio.The suspects briefly pulled into another fuel station but continued on, eventually stopping at anearby butchery Seising the opportunity, the officer positioned himselfstrategically and kept awatchful eye as one suspect exited the vehicle and entered the butchery. Moments later, two additionalofficers arrived on scene. Acting swiftly and decisively,they moved in and secured the suspects at the vehicle. One suspect was found near the back of the car whie another was in the driver’s seat. Both were ordered to the ground andplacedin handcuffs without incident.

Meanwhile,the first officer went into the butchery, where he located and apprehended the third suspect. Duringa search, it was discovered that the suspect hadconcealedstolen meat under his clothing,valuedatapproximately R3 000. Allthree suspects were detained and takenbacktothe initial scene. The police wascontacted andarrived shortly afterwards, whereafter the suspects were

Leerdersoor boeliegedrag ingelig

MAURICIAPETERSEN

’n Belangrike bewusmakingsaanbieding oor kuberboelie-enboeliegedrag het onlangs by die Hoërskool The Settlers plaasgevind, waartydens lede van die Bellville-polisiekantoor leerders toegerus het met noodsaaklike kennisomhierdie groeiende probleme te identifiseer en aan te pak.

Dieaanbieding is deur ’n span van drie ervare polisiebeamptes gelei. Sers. Charles Neelse, sers. Marvin Boer en kapt. Shaun Adams hetelkeen ’n spesifieke aspek van die onderwerp bespreek om ’n omvattende begrip van die komplekse kwessies rondom boeliegedrag te verseker. Dieeerste gedeelte van die aanbieding het gefokus op tradisioneleboeliegedrag. Deur middelvan ’n interaktiewe skermvertoninghet Neelse met die leerders in gesprek getree oor:

. Die verskillende vorme van boeliegedrag;

. Hoe om boeliegedrag te identifiseer;

. Dieimpak wat dit op beide dieslagoffer en die gemeenskaphet;

. Praktiese strategieë om boeliegedrag te voorkom en aan te pak.

KUBERBOELIEONDERDIESOEKLIG

Boer hetdie tweede segment aangebied, wat spesifiek gefokus het op kuberboeliegedrag —’nverskynsel wat toenemendproblematies in ons digitale eraword. Sy aanbieding het ingesluit:

. ’n Duidelike definisie van wat kuberboeliegedrag behels;

. Waarskuwingstekens waarop leerders moet let;

. Dieverwoestende gevolge van kuberboeliegedrag op jongmense se geestelike gesondheid;

. Dieregsimplikasiesvan kuberboeliegedrag;

. Ondersteuningenrapportering. Adams hetdie aanbieding afgesluit

met praktiese hulpbronne en ondersteuningsmeganismes:

. Belangrike hulplyn en kontaknommers wat leerderskan gebruik; . Duidelike instruksies oor hoe om voorvalle te rapporteer; . ’n Persoonlikeuitnodiging aan leerders om die polisiekantoor te besoek vir individuele ondersteuning. Hierdie inisiatief demonstreer die polisie se verbintenis tot gemeenskapspolisiëring en die beskerming van ons jeug. Deur bewustheid te skep en leerders toe te rus met die nodige kennisenhulpbronne, werk die polisie proaktief daaraan om ’n veiliger omgewing vir alle kindersteskep. Die sukses van hierdie aanbieding by die Hoërskool TheSettlers dien as ’n model vir soortgelyke inisiatiewe by ander skole in die omgewing. Diepolisie moedig ook ouers en opvoeders aan om hierdie belangrike gesprekke tuisenindie klaskamer voorttesit.Die kernboodskap van die aanbieding was duidelik: kuberboelie- en boeliegedrag is ernstige kwessies wat nie geïgnoreer kan wordnie Met die regteondersteuning, bewustheid en rapporteringsmeganismes kan gemeenskappe saamwerk om ’n veilige omgewing vir alle jongmense te skep.

Welgemoedsemensekryminibib S

luyskenpark het Saterdag11April "'n klein hoekievan vriendelikheid" geword toe Welgemoed-inwoners in groot getalle vir die opening van hul eie gratisminibibopgedaag het.

Dit is beskryfas'n“hartsverblydende viering van geborgenheidendie liefde vir lees”.

Die openingsviering het vanaf 11:00 tot 13:00 plaasgevind.

MOTTO

Talle gemeenskapslede hetboeke gebring om te deel volgens die minibib semotto: "Neem'nboek,los 'n boek, deel die vreugde."

Die aktrise en skrywer Bianca Flanders het om 12:45 'n spesiale voorlesing aangebied, waartydens sy uit haargewilde Pampoenpit/Pumpkin-boekreeks in beide Afrikaans en Engels voorgelees het. Die voorlesing het groot byval by kinders, sowel as ouers, gevind.

Die gesellige geleentheidhet gratis teeen koekies ingesluit, asook gesigverfvir die kinders,wat die klein gesiggies laat straal het. Die vriendelike atmosfeer het gesinne die geleentheid gegee om mekaar beter te leer ken.

RENOSTERPLANTE

Die minibib is tussen die inheemse renosterveldplante—'nbedreigdesoort fynbos watselde in stedelike gebiede gewaar word.

Hierdieekologiese benadering het Sluyskenpark 'n voorbeeld gemaakvan hoegemeenskappe natuurbewaring en gemeenskapsaktiwiteitesuksesvol kan kombineer.

Besoekers het die minibib beskryf as "'nplek om te droom" waarhulle kan ontspan, met die gedagte: "Tussen die

bladsye van'nboekis'nplek om te droom –vind jouvolgende een by onsklein biblioteek."

Die suksesvolle projek getuig vanwat gemeenskappe kan bereik wanneer bure met 'n gedeelde visie verenig.

HEUWELSFANTASTIES

Die park is oorspronklik deur'n vertoning van die gewilde musiekgroep

Die Heuwels Fantasties gefinansier, wat gewys het hoe kreatiewe inisiatiewe sosiale verandering teweeg kanbring.

Die twee minibibs is opgedra aan Freddie vanRensburg, terwyl Co Jonker, watdie eersteminibib begin het, die weg gebaan het virhierdie inisiatief.

MarietaNel hetdie amptelike toespraak by die openinggelewer waarin sy die gemeenskapvir hul ondersteuning bedank het.

Die minibibhet reeds van die eerste dag'nindrukwekkende boekversameling opgeboudanksy die vrygewigheid van gemeenskapslede, wattalle boeke gebring het om te deel.

Die organiseerders is verheug oor die positiewe reaksie en hoop dit sal die begin wees van'nnetwerk van leesvriendelike ruimtes in dieomgewing.

Die minibib bly oop vir die publiek. Gemeenskapslede word aangemoedig om boeke te bring en te neem soos hulle wil. . Bel Nel by 084511 1931 virmeerinligting. BIANCAFLANDERSLEES

Cityinstallsspeedlights

Smart speed signs are being installedacross Cape Town and alreadyhave an effect to reduce the speed at which motorists drive.

The signs detectthe speed of a vehicle and display the measured speed on avariable message sign next to the road, where itis visibletothe drivers

According to amedia release by the City of Cape, the City's UrbanMobilityDirectorate

has noticed a25% reduction in vehicles exceeding speed limits at locations where these signs are

SMART SPEED SIGNS REDUCESPEEDING BY 25% ON KEY CAPE ROUTES

installed.

Thereare currently 10 smart speed signs in Cape Town and another four in the planning process. The City’s Transport Network Technology team implements the roll-out of these signs on requestfrom wards funding them,accordingtothe media release.

"Thesesigns have proven to be an effective speed calming tool sincethe installation of the initialsigns some threeyears ago," said Rob Quintas, Mayco member for urban mobility.

"We areencouraged by the effectiveness sofar and knowour transportnetwork technology branch isalways looking at ways toadd to the functionality of these signs. If residents would liketomotivate fora sign at aspecific location they arewelcome to approachtheir ward councillorfor further consideration."

LOCATIONS

The City has thus far rolled out smartspeed signsatthe following locations:

. 109 High Level Road, Green Point; . 109 Ocean View Drive, Green Point; . 291HighLevel Road, SeaPoint; . 27 High Level Road, Sea Point; . 43 OceanView Drive,Green

Tekenin

Point;

. JipdeJagernearEksteen Street,Bellville; . Jip de Jager near Mara Street, Bellville; . Main Road nearV &A Waterfront, Green Point; . Beach Road near Surrey Place, Mouille Point;

. Victoria Road near Maiden's Cove,Camps Bay.

MOSTRECENTSIGNS

The most recentsigns were installedalong Jip de Jager in November last year andinWard 115 and Ward 54 in January this year.

"Each smart speed sign is connected to onecentralserver," Quintas pointed out.

"Dataiscollected andstored of all vehicles recordedbythe sign. Once anew signisinstalled, the display is left in an off state for thefirst two weeks. This enables theCity to have data from the time before the sign was in operation. Afterwards the display is switchedonfor approximately two weeks, and another data sample is taken.

"We have definitely noticed a drop in the number of vehicles exceeding thespeed limit once thedisplays were switched on. We have alsonoticed, by monitoringthe brake lights of cars,how thedrivers brake when

they actually see the speed at whichthey are travelling where the‘slowdown’ message is displayed.

"I urge drivers to pay close attention to the speeds they are driving at and to adhere to the speed limit on our roads."

The design of the smart speed signs has earned the City’s transport planning and network management department an innovation award.

"This is one of the many technologies the City’s Urban Mobility Directorate has designed and installed over the lastfew years," Quintas said.

Tourism plan to powerjob growth

Cape Town is setting its sights on more than 200 000 tourism-related jobs by 2030, alongside billionsinvisitor spending and asharp rise in international arrivals, the City'sMayco memberfor economicgrowth and tourism, James Vos,announced.

Unveilingthe City’s tourism ambitions at theopeningofWorld Travel Market (WTM) Africa 2026 in Cape Townrecently, Vos positioned the City’s upcoming Tourism Framework as a"game-changer” that will define Cape Town’s next phase of growth.

The plan, currently being finalised, sets out threemajor targetsfor 2013 being 3.4 million international arrivals; R34billion in visitor spending andadoubling of tourism jobs to over200 000.

These goals, Vos indicated, are not aspirational alone, but built on strong momentum already achieved.

Since 2022, Cape Town has significantly expandedits global connectivity, growing from 184 to more than 230 international flights perweek during peak season. This has supported asteady rise in tourism employment, from just over 89 000 jobs

in 2022 to more than 106 000 in 2024, now accounting for close to 7% of the city’s workforce.

Addressing aglobal audience of tourism professionals, Vos stressed that tourism must be understood as acore economic sector.

He also highlighted the City’s aggressive destination marketing strategy, including the “This is Cape Town” campaign, which has taken the city’sbrand to 55 cities across six continents. With astrong focus on conversion rather than awareness alone, the campaign has contributed to record passenger numbers, with Cape Town International Airport surpassing 11 million two-way passengers in the past year

Vos further emphasised the strategic importance of hosting WTM Africa, confirming that Cape Townhas secured the event through amulti-year agreement. Vos made it clear that the next phase of tourism growth will focus not only on scale, but on impact,ensuring that more communities benefit from the visitor economy.

Localapptofeatureonglobalstage

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

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

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

SOFTWARE DEVELOPERSWIN AWARD

public transport, especially when travelling unfamiliar routes.

AITECH

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

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

excitement,disbelief andpride".

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

REAL-WORLDIMPACT

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

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

PANORAMA PALMS

Kommentaar // Comments

THINKING OUTLOUD SLICEOFLIFE

Socks,storms and stubborn summer vibes

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

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

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

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

FORMANYFAMILIES,THE SEASONDIDNOTARRIVEWITH COSYBLANKETS...

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

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

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

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

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

Because that’s exactlywhatitfeels like sometimes —like the sun has taken abreak, leaving clouds, wind andrain behind.Itstill makes the occasional appearance,just enough to remind us it hasn’t disappeared entirely But it doesn’t linger. Itriedtoexplain this to him —that the sun is still there, just not as warm, not as strong.Hewasn’t convinced. In hisworld, things are simple. Warm means outside. Sun means beach. Socks are optional.

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

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

BRIEWE|LETTERS

Wag togvir jou beurt

-KAILIN DANIELS

Heavyrain bringsback thepotholecrisis

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

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

ACONCERNEDMOTORIST, Email

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

Onsmoetalmal ‘n sekere tydbydie werk komen, net soos 'n mensin'nwinkel in 'n ry gaan staan om te betaal,nie net summier voor ander indruk nie.Jykan mosopdie padook jou beurt afwag Die padwerke op Labellewegisnou al sedertdie begin vandie jaar aan die gang. Dit is nie 'n nuweding nie,maar vanoggend staan die ry karreopBottelary watalmal voor wil indruk amper net so lank soos die ry watindie korrekte baan geduldig moetwag —eintlik noglanger, te dankeaan al die selfsugtiges. Elkedag dieselfde storie —dieselfde voertuie wathul neusenet voor joune indruk.

ESTHER,E-pos

Millionsof plantsstripped

KAILINDANIELS

KAILIN.DANIELS@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

Abriefing to the Western Cape Standing Committee on Environmental Affairs and Development Planning has exposed the alarming scale of plant poaching, with more than 2,5 million indigenous plants seized since 2018,afigurethat reflects only a fraction of the ongoing environmental crime.

“Since 2018, more than 2,5 million poached indigenous plantshave been seized by law enforcement,”saidDave Bryant,MPP and DA Western Cape spokespersononLocal Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, “yet this represents only a fraction of what is being stripped from our landscapebyorganised criminal syndicates

“This industrial-scale theft is driving species to extinction in the wild and demandsurgent, coordinated action.”

The presentation by CapeNature highlightedhow the illegal trade in succulents and other high-value species had escalated into asophisticated internationalcriminal enterprise.

Sevenspecies and two subspeciesof Conophytum had already been lost in their natural habitatsdue to poaching, marking what officials described as anirreversible blow to South Africa’s biodiversity.

FROMCOLLECTORSTOCRIMINALSYNDICATES

What began as small-scale,opportunistic collectingbyinternationalenthusiasts has evolved dramatically over the past decade. Before 2020foreign collectors travelled to South Africa to source rareplants themselves. Today, organised syndicates rely onlocal intermediariestorecruit poachers and fulfil targeted “special orders” for rare species.

“These syndicates arehighly organised and operate across provinces and borders, treating biodiversityasa commodity,” officials told the committee CapeNatureidentified global demand for rare ornamental succulents as akey driver of the surge in poaching.

“Morerare or unique means more valuable,” the presentation noted, highlighting how online platforms enable illegal trade to flourish.

At the same time socio-economic pressures are making local communities vulnerable.

“Poaching is seen as low-riskand highincome, quick money for short periods in the veld,” CapeNature said.

EXTINCTIONUNFOLDINGINREALTIME

The environmental consequences are alreadysevere, CapeNature told Nova News.“Seven species and two subspecies have been poached to extinctioninthe wild since 2020.”

Monitoring has shown drastic declines in plant populations, with largeportions of the Conophytum genus now critically endangered.

Overnight planfor Robben Island raisesconcern

The proposed plan to develop about 100 former prisonguardhouses on RobbenIsland into overnight tourist accommodation has raised concerns on social media about the protection of the site's historical significance.

This will allow visitors to stay overnight rather thanreturning to the mainland after afew hours.

RobbenIsland wasdeclared aUnesco World Heritage Site in 1999 for its profound culturalsignificance. It is best known for themaximum-security prison that housed Nelson Mandela for 18 years of his 27 years spent imprisoned. It was alsoused as alepercolonyinthe 19th centuryand as abasebythe British army during theSecondWorld War

OVERNIGHTLODGING

Today theisland is amuseum, reflecting on Mandela’s years there and globally recognisedasasymbol of SouthAfrica’s struggle against Aapartheid. It is one of themostpopular tourist attractions in Cape Town and attractsthousands of visitors every year.

Theisland,namedafter seals, is also an important site for bothseals and African penguins.

TheRobbenIsland Museum is considering to repurpose the houses into overnight lodging, with one house currently serving as apilot project. Approximately R70 million has been allocated for the upgrades and conversions of the buildings.

NOTALLAGAINSTTHEPLAN

can succeed. We would nevertheless like to see the detailed plans beforeone can say whether they are on the right track. There should be atransparent public participation process where experts can provide input,” Maritzadded.

MUSEUMDEFENDSTHEPROJECT

In response to the social media outcry about, among other things, the project being “in poor taste” and “that not everything should be commercialised”, the museum issued astatement to defend the project.

PLANT POACHINGCRISIS SEES2.5 MILLION INDIGENOUS PLANTSSEIZED IN WESTERN CAPE

Authorities warned thatplant poaching is linked to broader organised crime.

“Syndicates involved in succulent poaching are alsolinked to abalone, rhino horn, ivory smugglingand drug trafficking,” the briefing revealed.

High-value species suchas Clivia mirabilis are beingsmuggledthroughthe Limpopo borderdisguised as common agricultural products, suchassugar cane, to reach international markets where they canfetch 10 times their local value

“Thesesyndicates operate with precision, often deploying groups of 75 to 150 poachers in asingle night, treating ourprovince’s unique biodiversity as a common currencyfor organised crime,” Bryant said

LAWENFORCEMENTUNDERPRESSURE

Despite increased seizures enforcement agencies face significantconstraints.

“There isnodedicated investigation unit within CapeNature,” the organisation said,“andofficers are required to perform multiple functions.”

CapeNature highlighted interventions including improvedcamera networks, K9 units and inter-agencycollaboration.

“Good cooperation with law-enforcement agencies and international partners is key “CapeNature together with ourpartners areslowly butsurely winning the Green Gold War.”

However, Bryantstressed that stronger action was needed, calling for a coordinated, government-wide response to protect the province’s biodiversity from further irreversible loss. “Tocombat the severemanpower shortagesfacingrural units,thereisa need for the expanded use oftechnology as aforce multiplier. Drone programmes in the City of Cape Town have already proven their efficacy, demonstrated by the successful tracking of poachers acrossvastdistances,from Robben Islandtotheir landing points in HoutBay at night. By using fixed-wing drones and real-time surveillancewecan bridge the current enforcement gaps and provide wide-scale protection for ourmost vulnerable ecological zones.”

However, notall heritage guardians are against the ambitious plans. Durbanville Heritage Society, when approached for comment,said in astatement that it is notagainst the restorationofthe homes to their formercondition, “provided that it remainsauthentic andpreserves the historical period andstays true to the original character of the island prison”.

“The footprint should be unique to thetime and notbecommercialised. Furthermore,the specialhistorical and naturalcharacter of theisland and the buildingsonitshould be protected.

According to news reports, the Robben IslandMuseum guaranteed that the restorationand conversion of the now derelict guards' homes, will not undermine thevalueofthe area andthat the balance between tourism and the maintenance of historical heritage will be maintained. The purpose is to generate an income that will ensurelong-term financial sustainability,”

Jaco Maritz, chair, andGeorina Westraat, vice-chair of Durbanville Heritage Society, said in acombined statement.

“When historic buildings are not meaningfully used, they deteriorate systematically, andthere aremany examples. The state simply does not have themeans or sometimes the motivation to preserve historical buildings. Sensitive development and use is the only option that guarantees long-term viability. If theprojectisapproachedcorrectly, it

It emphasised that the initiative forms part of abroader strategy focused on sustainable tourism and heritage preservation. Theguard houses —once symbols of apartheid —will be “adaptively reused” while maintaining their historical integrity. Revenue generated from overnight stays is expected to support conservation efforts, educational programmes and ongoing maintenance of the site, according to the statement. Themuseum also highlighted that the accommodation will not only cater to tourists, but also provide space for researchers, educators, artists and students engaged in heritage and human rightswork.

NECESSARYPERMITS

According to the statement, the initiative aims to transform spaces associated with oppression intoenvironments that promote reflection, dialogue and reconciliation. The project has reportedly received the necessary permits, and stakeholder engagement has been conducted in line with regulatory requirements.

Indiandanceperformanceonstage

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

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

IMAGINATIVEPRODUCTIONS

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

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

turescreativity, passion, andlifelongconnections," Valodiasaid.

DANCEGENRES

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

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

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

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

Hiram tree by DieBoerop

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

Young talent brings ShakespearetolifeatBaxter

The16th ShakespeareSchoolsFestival South Africa is settoelectrify theBaxter Theatrefrom6to23 May. What sets this festivalapart is itsboldapproach to Shakespeare'stimeless works. Learner performers, manystepping ontoaprofessionalstage forthe first time,transform full-length playsintodynamic 30 to 45-minuteproductions. Theresultisfastpaced, inventive theatrethatkeeps Shakespeare's spirit alivewhile making hisstories accessibleand engagingfor modern audiences.

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

DIVERSEVOICESTAKECENTRESTAGE

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

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

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

Audiences canexpect unexpectedtwists, modern spinsonclassic tales, andplentyofcreativerisk-taking Whether it's acontemporary Romeoand Juliet or avisually striking Macbeth,theseproductions prove Shakespeareisfar from outdated.

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

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

FalseBayandVDEintryfest