TygerBurger | Bellville | E-Edition | 26 November 2025

MAN WAT LEISELS NEEM IS ‘DEUR ONDERWYS GEKIES’

DFkrynuwe skoolhoof

MAURICIAPETERSEN

MAUR CIA PETERSEN@NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA

Hannes Oosthuizen, die nuwe hoof van die Hoërskool DF Malan, praat openhartig oor sy visie vir die skool, sy agtergrond in die onderwys en wat hom na hierdie besonderse pos gelei het.

Wanneer hy gevra word waarom hy gekies het om by die Hoërskool DF Malan te kom werk, antwoord Oosthuizen eerlik: “Dit was maar ’n bestiering Geleenthede soos hierdie laat ’n mens baie dink oor die verskil wat jy as onderwyser kan maak Daar was ook ’n oproep of twee wat met 'n mens se hart gepraat het ”

Die onderwys het hom gekies, vertel hy, eerder as dat hy self die keuse gemaak het, sê hy eenvoudig wanneer hy gevra word waarom hy besluit het om ’n onderwyser te word

Oosthuizen bring indrukwekkende kwalifikasies na sy nuwe pos Hy het aan die Universiteit van die Vrystaat (UV) gestudeer, waar hy sy BCom (Regte) en BCom Hons (Ekonomie) voltooi het Daarna het hy sy PGCE (Post Graduate Certificate in Education) aan Unisa voltooi en laastens ’n MBA deur die UV se sakeskool

As onderwyser het hy gespesialiseer in ekonomie, besigheidstudies, asook Afrikaans Huistaal, met ekonomie wat steeds sy gunsteling bly Met 17 jaar onderwysondervinding bring

Oosthuizen ’n rykdom van ervaring na sy nuwe rol Hy het in 2009 by die Hoërskool Witteberg begin en het in 2020 hoof geword by sy alma mater Van 2012 was hy amptelik in ’n departementele posvlak 1-pos en is in 2019 as adjunkhoof aangestel Hy was ook vir verskeie jare die dissiplinêre hoof by Witteberg en die hoof van krieket

Tans dien hy in die provinsiale uitvoerende raad van die Suid-Afrikaanse Onderwysunie en was vir die afgelope 10 jaar die voorsitter van Thabo Mofutsanyane-hoërskolekrieket

LEWENSLESSEENLEIERSKAP

Oosthuizen se benadering tot leiersopleiding is pragmaties “Nee, ek het self in die rooisee geswem en deur middel van foute geleer My studies het my ook op baie voorberei,” vertel hy wanneer hy gevra word oor bestuurskursusse Sy onderwysfilosofie is eenvoudig, maar diepgaande: “Doen alles met ’n eerlike en opregte hart ”

Wanneer dit kom by inspirasie, erken

Oosthuizen dat hy elke dag by sy kollegas leer “Daar is verskeie en ek leer steeds elke dag by al die kollegas saam met wie ek werk

“Coenie Venter, ons vorige skoolhoof en tans hoof van die Hoërskool Durbanville, het my blootstelling aan baie gebied en my deurgaans in my groei ondersteun ”

OOSTHUIZEN

BRING BAIE

JARE SE ERVARING EN KENNIS

NA SY NUWE

ROL BY SKOOL

NABLADSY4 Hannes Oosthuizen kan nie wag om die hart van die DF-kind te beleef nie

WHAT’S ON / WAT IS WAAR

SENDYOURCOMMUNITYEVENTSTO

TYGERBURGER@NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA

WEDNESDAY26NOVEMBER

. The Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (Sanccob), together with Robben Island and Table Mountain National Park, are presenting the Living Legacies Research Symposium a special event dedicated to celebrating the unique ecology and cultural heritage of Robben Island, both on land and beneath the sea. Taking place from 08:30 to 18:00 at the Nelson Mandela Gateway, V&A Waterfront, the symposium will bring together researchers, conservationists, and community members to share insights and explore ways to protect and honour this iconic site Those unable to attend in person can join online via Microsoft Teams. For more information send an email to seminars@robben-island.org.za.

SATERDAG29NOVEMBER

. Maak jou liggies reg, poets daardie chroom, en sluit aan by die grootste, helderste konvooi wanneer Wild Buggers Beach Buggy Club sy jaarlikse Lights For Life Run aanbied. Eienaars van ouskool Volkswagen-voertuie, klassieke motors en ander unieke rygoed word genooi om by hulle aan te sluit – almal versier met duisende Kersliggies wat dit in 'n helder mobiele ligskou verander Ontmoet om 19:00 buite Food Lovers Market N1 Stad om stiptelik om 19:30 te vertrek. Vir meer inligting, skakel Mickey by 082 497 7721 . Jan Krielskool se Liggieboomfees vind op die skool se terrein in Kuilsrivier plaas. Kom kuier saam met Leah vir 'n spesiale vertoning en geniet pragtige optredes van die kinders. Bring jou kampstoel of kombers en sommer die hele familie om die wonderlike oomblik wanneer die Liggieboom met meer as 10 000 liggies aangeskakel word, te aanskou. Daar sal kosstalletjies wees en veilige parkeerplek. 'n Kaartjie sluit al die vertonings en 'n gratis LED-liggie in. Die opbrengste ondersteun kinders met spesiale onderwysbehoeftes. Kaartjies is beskikbaar by www liggieboom.co.za.

SUNDAY30NOVEMBER

. Cape Town will once again light up the summer sky as thousands gather on the Grand Parade and along Adderley Street for the 56th edition of the Festive Lights Switch-On from 16:00

DINSDAG2DESEMBER

. ‘n Pretdraf/stap oor 5 km word om 18:10 by die Bellville-seniorsentrum gehou. Dit begin en eindig by die terrein van Chrismar Villas by Jessiestraat 25, Bellville Die koste is R50 vir volwassenes en hoërskoolleerders en R30 vir laerskoolkinders en jonger Koeldrank, poeding, pannekoek, jaffels, boereworsrolle en vetkoek sal te koop wees. Vroeë inskrywings is welkom by die sentrum tussen 08:00 en 12:00 van Maandag tot Vrydag. Vir meer inligting skakel 021 910 1250

THURSDAY4DECEMBER

. Oom Piets Christmas Party is back. For the first time since covid, the Rotary Club of Durbanville is once again hosting the magical fantasy evening for families from Thursday 4 December to Saturday 13 December Bring your picnic basket and enjoy a fabulous, joyous evening All proceeds go to helping uplift the community Bookings now open on Quicket Call Carol on 083 261 9840 for more information.

. Tygerberg Hospice's annual Tree of Lights event will take place at 19:00 at Jan Kriel School in Kuils River Bring along a picnic blanket and come join a magical evening of remembrance and hope with a tree lit up in honour of loved ones who have passed A light in remembrance of a loved one costs R60 Every light dedicated helps Tygerberg Hospice provide home-based care, comfort, and support to families facing life-limiting illness. Visit www tygerberghospice org or call 021 946 2460 to make your dedication and light purchase

FRIDAY5DECEMBER

. South Africa's leading indie games festival, Playtopia, will bring together over 1 000 gaming enthusiasts and industry professionals for what organisers describe as Africa's premier celebration of video games and interactive arts at the Homecoming Centre in Cape Town on Friday 5 and Saturday 6 December This year's festival will transport visitors to "Arcadia", a fantasy-themed library complete with portholes, spell books, potions and magic crystals. Tickets are available at www.playtopiafestival.co.za

SATERDAG6DESEMBER

. Boston Open Studios 2025 vind van 09:00 tot 17:00 plaas. Die jaarlikse gebeurtenis, wat as 'n hoogtepunt beskou word, bied besoekers die seldsame geleentheid om kunstenaars in hul kreatiewe ruimtes te ontmoet en oorspronklike kunswerke teen studiopryse dikwels 30-60% laer as galerypryse te koop Die geleentheid is oop vir die publiek en gratis. Volg Boston Open Studios op sosiale media vir meer inligting.

Cityhonourslocalsafetyheroes

The City of Cape Town's safety and security directorate announced this year's Neighbourhood Watch Awards winners during a ceremony in the council chamber in the civic centre on Saturday morning

The annual awards celebrate excellence, perseverance, and commitment by neighbourhood watches, which work in communities and closely with the City's enforcement agencies

This year the awards drew more than 200 nominations for individuals and neighbourhood watches across the metropole in a number of categories

Deen Solomon of the KIC Neighbourhood Watch in Bonteheuwel received the nod

CAPE TOWN CELEBRATES NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH HEROES AT

for Crime Fighter of the Year

ANNUAL AWARDS

He has shown exceptional bravery and quick thinking in numerous operations that have led to successful arrests and the prevention of major crimes, according to a media release issued by the City

Deen's nomination noted that "his situational awareness and decisive action often in high-risk situations have kept residents safe and strengthened community confidence"

Other winners in the individual categories were:

. Mobiliser of the Year: Mvano Magula, Qhubekani Neighbourhood Watch, Mfuleni;

. Inspiration of the Year: Sandra de Wet Van den Berg, De La Haye Neighbourhood Watch, Bellville;

. Courage in Action: Yaseerah Nelson, Klip Neighbourhood Watch, Lotus River

GROUPCATEGORY

In the group category, the Situational Crime Prevention Award went to Khuseleka Neighbourhood Watch in Khayelitsha, and the Courage in Action Award to the Boundaries Neighbourhood Watch in Retreat

"It is heartwarming to see how communities appreciate the work done by these volunteers who dedicate their time and skill to keeping their areas safe

While they're all tops, a panel selected the winners who went above and beyond what was required of them," said JP Smith, Mayco member for security and safety

NEWCATEGORIES

This year two new categories have been

swift action limited the destruction to just two shacks, a remarkable outcome credited entirely to the team's rapid response, courage, and coordination

Beyond firefighting, Mfuleni Extension 6 Neighbourhood Watch plays a vital role in supporting City officials and emergency services during disaster situations helping with crowd control, clearing access routes for fire and rescue teams, and assisting affected families on the ground

TECHNOLOGYAWARD

The Best Utilisation of Technology Award went to Melkbosstrand Neighbourhood Watch for their innovative and effective use of technology to enhance safety

They were noted to have "set the benchmark for digital excellence in community safety through its outstanding use of the Trusted Partner App"

The Melkbosstrand Neighbourhood Watch has transformed technology into a force multiplier, enhancing patrol coordination, reporting accuracy, and accountability across every shift, according to a recent media release by the City

Gemeentehou Kerssangdiens

As jy nog nooit hoendervleis gekry het wanneer “Stille Nag” of “Gaan dan Heen” by ‘n Kerssangdiens gesing word nie, kry jy vanjaar op Sondag 7 Desember by die NG kerk Bellville (voorheen NGK Bellville-Noord) die kans.

Die gemeente het vroeg reeds seker gemaak dat hulle vir Olga Leonard en Babette Viljoen, ou bekendes vir die pragtige musiek wat hulle maak, bespreek het vir die 2025-Kerssangdiens Dié twee vroue wissel hul aanbieding af met duette tussen kerkorrel en klavier Sangduette, kerkorrel, dwarsfluit en

SANGERS VROEG BEKEND GEMAAK

trekklavier beloof om 'n fees van klank te verskaf En wees gereed, die gemeente sing nege Kersliedere saam met Babette op die orrel en die voorsanggroep van die gemeente Die teks word gelees deur ds Johan Vollgraaff en Daan Baard Kom vier

“Geskenke vir Kersfees” saam met die gemeente Dit begin om 09:00 Voorsang begin reeds om 09:45 by die NG kerk Bellville in Meathstraat, Bellville (oorkant die Laerskool Bellville-Noord)

VANAFBLADSY1

Sy persoonlike ondersteuningstelsel is ook van kardinale belang “Ek dink elke moontlike ervaring in die onderwys en lewe berei n mens voor vir dit wat môre kan bring My ouers se ondersteuning en opvoeding was ook goud werd My vrou, Gerda, hou ook elke dag my hart vas en inspireer my!”

Sy benadering tot erkenning spreek van nederigheid “Die glimlagte van kinders en die kopknik ná ’n goeie kolfbeurt was die toekennings waarvoor ek gewerk het Die res dra min gewig,” sê hy wanneer hy gevra word oor spesiale toekennings of prestasies

Oosthuizen se visie vir die Hoërskool DF Malan is ambisieus, maar bereikbaar: Om sy stempel as ’n besondere onderwysinstelling net verder af te druk en te wys dat die buitengewone bereik kan word; om alle aspekte van die skool te

“Elkemoontlikeervaringindie onderwysenleweberei‘nmensvoor virditwatmôrekanbring.”

- Hannes Oosthuizen

versterk waar moontlik

Hy identifiseer wel sekere uitdagings:

“Dit is soms te maklik om te vergelyk en te moeilik om te droom,” sê hy wanneer hy gevra word oor die grootste hindernisse wat oorkom moet word Wat hy die meeste verwag van sy nuwe pos, som dit alles op: “Om die hart van dié DF-kind te beleef!”

Buite die onderwys sou Oosthuizen

“baie graag ’n skrywer of professionele krieketspeler wou wees”, en hy sou graag geskiedenis en politieke wetenskap bestudeer as hy weer die kans sou kry

Tcock mantis shrimps ub-shaped forelimbs nd even shatter glass

s Aquarium today

Jermaine Carelse, City Fire & Rescue spokesman,will cycle from East London to Cape Town in March for Eyabantwana Children’s Trust

Cyclingfor children’s health

The public voice of the City of Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue services will once again join the Grandad's Army Memorial Ride from East London to Cape Town from 1 to 5 March 2026, pedalling in support of children’s health care in the Eastern Cape It will be the sixth time Jermaine Carelse will do this ride.

The challenging five-day cycle aims to raise funds for Eyabantwana For the Children Trust, an organisation that supports the Eastern Cape Paediatric Surgical Service, providing vital medical care to children in the region

SUPPORTINGYOUNGLIVES

The Grandad’s Army Memorial Ride combines endurance cycling with meaningful community support, as riders h C l t kl th d di

City warns public of shot hole borer beetle

The City of Cape Town is inviting all residents or businesses that handle trees and plant material to the upcoming information sessions on the Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer beetle (PSHB)

Sessions will be held in Claremont, Pinelands, Durbanville, Kraaifontein and Somerset West These sessions are aimed at educating the public on how to identify infested trees and manage and transport beetle infested biomass to prevent the spread of the pest as far as possible

The PSHB beetle poses a serious threat to Cape Town's urban forest and biodiversity

To date, PSHB has been confirmed in over 6 000 trees in the City among which Boxelders, London Planes, English Oaks, Beef Wood, Weeping Willow, Cape Chestnut, Black Locust, Paperbark and Maples

The following areas are affected:

Somerset West, Strand, Penhill, Newlands, Constantia, Rondebosch, Observatory, Mowbray, Rosebank, Claremont, Kenilworth, Wynberg, Diep River, Pinelands, Durbanville, Brackenfell, Kraaifontein, Bellville and Parow North

DISPOSALOFINFESTEDMATERIAL

"Improper handling, movement and disposal of PSHB infested material continues to aid the spread of PSHB across the city," said Eddie Andrews, Deputy Mayor and Mayco member for spatial planning and the environment

"The use of pesticides and fungicides have not proven effective at eradicating PSHB from infected trees Therefore, an infested tree and plant material must be

chipped, incinerated or solarised We need the support and collaboration of residents and businesses working with plant material to prevent the spread of the pest

"There are many formal and informal businesses involved with gardening and landscaping space These are gardeners, nurseries, horticulturists, tree fellers, woodcutters, and many more We are also encouraging residents to attend, especially if you have trees on your private property "

PROTOCOLSANDSYMPTOMS

The City will focus on the protocols applicable to infested trees and biomass, among them:

. How to identify infested trees and what symptoms to look out for;

. What to do next, what not to do;

.How to handle infested biomass;

. How to safely dispose of infested biomass;

. How to transport green waste;

. How to handle equipment and machinery in a manner that will not spread the pest to other areas

Residents should look out for the following symptoms of infested trees:

. Branch die-back – cracks on the branch, discoloured leaves, dry and leafless branches, branch break-off revealing webs of galleries filled with black fungus;

. Gumming – blobs of goo coming out of the bark, oozing of liquid and gum from the beetle holes;

. Entry and exit holes – very small holes on the bark of the tree, the size of a sesame seed (2mm); shotgun-like scars developing around the holes;

. Staining – brown or dark stains on the bark of the tree

INFORMATIONSESSIONS

Information sessions will be held as follows:

. In Durbanville on Tuesday 25 November from 16:00 to 18:00 at Durbanville Library, corner of Oxford Street and Koeberg Road, Durbanville

. In Bellville on Wednesday 26 November from 09:30 to 12:00 at Bellville Library, Carl van Aswegen Street, Bellville . In Constantia on Tuesday 9 December from 09:30 to 12:00 at the Alphen Centre, Main Road, Constantia

. In Gordon’s Bay on Thursday 11 December from 16:00 to 18:00 at Gordon’s Bay Library, 6 Watt St, Gordons Bay . In Kraaifontein on Monday 15 December from 16:00 to 18:00 at Kraaifontein Library, Brighton Road, Kraaifontein . Report PSHB beetle sightings online at www capetown.gov.za/InvasiveSpecies, contact the City of Cape Town's Invasive Species Unit on 021 444 2357 from Monday to Friday from 07:30 to 16:00, or send an email to invasive.species@capetown.gov.za

I am trying to be gentler with myself...

We all want to belong From the moment we take our first steps into school, society teaches us that our worth is tied to achievement, to being someone, doing something, building something We grow in years, in experience, in titles Somewhere along the way that hunger for belonging becomes tangled with the need to feel enough through what we do or produce I have come to realise that I'm married to work Not in the romantic sense, but in the way it occupies my thoughts, dictates my moods and defines my sense of worth

For many of us this relationship starts innocently We pour ourselves into our studies, our first jobs and the careers that follow We tell ourselves it is ambition, that this is what success looks like

Then life shifts From my observation the children one raises grow into their own people The career ladder one has climbed so relentlessly begins to feel less like an ascent and more like a treadmill One morning one wakes up and wonders who one is outside of one's job title, outside the roles one has played so diligently for years

..

SOMEWHEREALONGTHEWAY THATHUNGERFORBELONGING BECOMESTANGLEDWITHTHE

NEEDTOFEELENOUGH

..

I see it all around me Friends who feel lost when they are not working Parents who struggle to rest because they do not know who they are beyond their families

Colleagues who measure their worth by their productivity And I see it in myself too I often say I am married to my work, half as a joke, half as a confession Work gives me purpose and stability It keeps me focused But it also keeps me busy enough not to think too much about the deeper, messier parts of life

That is the danger, I think , when we start confusing doing with being When our sense of worth is tied to what we do rather than who we are

My generation was raised in a world that celebrates hustle and glorifies busyness We were told to dream big, work harder and never settle I do not want to wake up one day and realise that I built my life entirely around my work, that I poured so much into becoming someone that I forgot simply how to be Work, like parenthood, can be a beautiful calling It gives purpose, structure and sometimes even meaning But it can also become a hiding place , a convenient distraction from the quieter work of being human There is safety in emails, meetings and deadlines There is clarity in schedules and targets The messiness of inner life, loneliness, grief, uncertainty, can always wait for later Except "later" always comes It comes when the office lights dim and the house is quiet It comes when promotions lose their thrill, when children leave home or when one's body reminds one it has limits even when one's will does not It comes when one finally has time and the silence asks "Who are you now?"

I do not have the balance figured out yet, far from it But I am beginning to understand I cannot keep defining myself by what I do So I am trying Trying to be gentler with myself Trying to measure my days not by how much I achieve, but by how present I am Because when the noise fades and the accolades mean less what will matter most is whether I still recognise myself Whether I can belong to me, not to my work, not to anyone else, but to the quiet truth of who I am becoming -NAMHLAMONAKALI

BRIEWE|LETTERS

Subraadvoorsitter gee oorsig

Subraad 14 het 'n baie bedrywige 2025 beleef

Wanneer ek deur die dagboek blaai, staan die volgende hoogtepunte uit:

. 'n Ontmoeting met die uitvoerende burgemeester en sy volle burgemeesterkomitee om aangeleenthede rondom dienslewering in die subraad te bespreek;

. Verskeie vergaderings met en besoeke deur burgemeesterkomiteelede aan die subraad om sake rakende paaie en water en sanitasie te bespreek;

. 'n Dag lange besoek deur Francine Higham burgemeesterkomiteelid, om die onderskeie sportfasiliteite binne die grense van Subraad 14 te besigtig;

. Interaksie met Carl Pophaim, burgemeesterkomit lid l th d t lik d t

is verwelkom en ontplooi;

. Openbare vergaderings het in al sewe wyke plaasgevind waartydens die konsepbegroting en IOP vir die 2025-'26-boekjaar bespreek is;

. Subraad 14 het ook ses openbare vergaderings gehou, waar Tertuis Simmers, provinsiale minister van infrastruktuur, die beoogde Welmoed-behuisingsprojek met inwoners bespreek het;

. Verskeie wykskomiteevergaderings het ook in die onderskeie wyke plaasgevind;

. Die Bet-El-skool ontvang die Civic Pride-toekenning van die burgemeester;

. Nosivatho Mkhize, die nuwe subraadbestuurder van S b d 14 i lk

Coastal bird flu threat puts pets at risk

I walk my dog along the beach most nights and am increasingly worried about the ongoing bird flu affecting seabirds on our coastline

The virus has led to several bird deaths recently and I fear the risk of encountering an infected bird during my walks This is not only heartbreaking for our wildlife but also poses a potential danger to pets and their owners I urge fellow dog walkers and pet owners to stay vigilant, avoid contact with any sick or dead birds, and report sightings to local authorities Protecting our pets and preserving our coastal ecosystem must be a community priority WORRIED, Melkbosstrand

Vissersgemeenskappe sterf almal uit

Ek wou nou al ` n geruime tyd hierdie vraag voor die deur van die DA, die Wes-Kaapse regering en die nasionale regering lê

Die Kaap is baie bekend vir sy viswaters en ek het familie wat aan die Weskus bly

Elke keer as ek vir hulle gaan kuier, vra ek hulle of daar nie vars vis te koop is by n hawe daar naby nie of 'n varsviswinkel op een van die dorpe nie Hul antwoord is: “Nee Nie eens die plaaslike winkels het vars vis nie; alles is die boksies bevore vis van natuurlik die groot vismaatskappye ” Hoe is dit moontlik? Die Weskus was vissersdorpe en gemeenskappe het hul bestaan daaruit gemaak Het die Wes-Kaapse regering of die nasionale regering die vissersgemeenskappe se regte verkoop aan groot korporatiewe maatskappye? Het die regerings dalk n

finansiële belang in die maatskappye?

Doen n bietjie navorsing oor wat in Somalië se oseane gebeur het en hoe die waters leeg gevang is en dit op die ou einde gelei het tot moderne seerowers Dit is n skande dat Suid-Afrika se mense en veral kusdorpe se mense nou ten duurste moet betaal vir gevriesde vis wat op hul agterstoep uitgewis word deur groot maatskappye en hul staatsborge wat bakhand staan vir hul aandele Ek het gaan Google "Why are there no more West Coast fisherman's villages?" Julle sal geskok wees oor waarop julle afkom Weer eens: die regerings tree nie op in die gemeenskap se belang nie, net soos met baie ander belange en ons en die hengelgemeenskap ly daar onder MAAK WK SE VISSERSGEMEENSKAPPE SAAK? E-pos

‘Ulwaluko’: A journey to manhood,

When the summer season draws to a close, many communities across South Africa will welcome back young men who have undergone Ulwaluko the traditional Xhosa initiation rite This sacred custom, also practised in various forms by other African communities, marks a boy’s transition to manhood With initiates returning to schools and workplaces in the new year, fostering informed understanding and tolerance within our diverse neighbourhoods is paramount Ulwaluko is a profound cultural and spiritual journey where boys are secluded in the mountains or designated initiation schools Under the guidance of elders, they are taught the core responsibilities, values,

Kuilsrivier word plakkersdorp

Dit is baie frustrerend om te sien hoe die Soneike-Kuilsrivier-kanaal langs die Netcare-hospitaal besig is om in 'n plakkersdorpie te ontaard

Wat kommerwekkend is van die Stad Kaapstad, is dat my talle klagtes van 2018 tot op hede om die plakkers te verwyder, nie aandag geniet nie Hierdie plakkerprobleem hou 'n brand-, gesondheids- en veiligheidsgevaar in vir die inwoners wat in die nabyheid bly Kuilsrivier, eens 'n mooi dorpie, word stadig maar seker 'n plakkersdorpie JJ CLOETE, Soneike

a call for community understanding

and secrets of manhood within their culture These lessons emphasise respect, discipline, and the weight of future roles as husbands fathers and community leaders The process is a deeply respected cornerstone of identity for millions The culmination of this journey is the homecoming, a vibrant and celebratory event

These celebrations are not private affairs; they are community-wide, often spilling into streets with singing, dancing, and the distinctive red clay on the faces of amakrwala (new men) This is where the wider community’s role becomes crucial Neighbours from all racial and cultural backgrounds may witness or be invited to these open celebrations Understanding the context transforms these events

from mere noise to a meaningful welcome The visible signs, the new clothes, the subdued demeanour of the initiates the jubilant families are not just spectacle but symbols of a significant personal and cultural achievement

By seeking to understand Ulwaluko, diverse communities do more than just tolerate; they actively participate in a supportive social fabric This awareness fosters empathy, dispels curiosity born of ignorance, and allows everyone to share in the joy of a family and a culture As these young men return, empowered and transformed, a welcoming and informed community is the final, essential step in honouring their journey FEZEKILE COTANI, Soneike, Kuils River

RadiologytrainingboostforCPUT

Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) students will benefit from new ultrasound equipment thanks to a generous donation from SCP Radiology

Students at CPUT are set to receive world-class medical imaging training following a significant equipment donation that will help address South Africa’s shortage of qualified sonographers SCP Radiology has donated two state-of-the-art ultrasound machines to CPUT’s Medical Imaging and Therapeutic Sciences (MITS) department,

while medical equipment provider Tecmed contributed a specialised ultrasound probe to support the university’s Diagnostic Ultrasound programme

Dr Polly Davidson, MITS Head of Department, says the donation will transform the department’s capabilities

“These two machines, in perfect working order, will make an enormous difference to our skills lab,” Davidson explained

“This gives our team more opportunities to train students effectively and ensure they graduate with strong, hands-on competency ”

The equipment allows students to gain practical experience performing ultrasound examinations crucial skills for their future careers as medical imaging professionals

The donation comes at a critical time as South Africa faces a significant shortage of qualified sonographers

The partnership between CPUT and SCP Radiology will enable the university to train more students and help fill this gap in the healthcare sector

INVESTINGINEDUCATION

Madelein de Wet, clinical operations manager at SCP Radiology, emphasised the company’s commitment to education and professional development

“Because of our long-standing relationship with CPUT, we were

aware of the need for imaging equipment,” de Wet said “It gives us immense pleasure to support the training of the next generation of healthcare workers in this way It aligns with our commitment to education and strengthening the profession ”

Prof Nicole Brooks, Dean

of the Health and Wellness Faculty at CPUT, highlighted the importance of private sector partnerships in enhancing educational outcomes

“Investments from the private sector have a tangible impact on quality and reach of training programmes such as this one,” Brooks noted

The ultrasound programme at CPUT is coordinated by Dr Maria Hartnick, with support from Ultrasound Lecturer Geordean Schwartz and Clinical Instructor Carmen Batt

The donation was facilitated by Tecmed Applications Specialist Gizelle Erasmus and SCP-CPUT Clinical Liaison Chrisoné Smit

Supercrossactioncomingtocity

The world's top supercross riders will descend on Cape Town for the ultimate showdown as the FIM World Supercross Championship crowns its 2025 world champions at DHL Stadium on Saturday 13 December.

After a gruelling global calendar that has taken the championship through Buenos Aires, Vancouver, the Gold Coast and Stockholm, the season-long quest for glory will reach its climax in the Mother City A night of high-stakes racing between the strongest field in the championship's history will determine the SX1, SX2 and Team World Champions

The SX1 class promises fierce competition as championship contenders Ken Roczen, Jason Anderson, Joey Savatgy and Christian Craig have battled for crucial championship points all season heading into the finale In the SX2 division, reigning champion Shane

13DECEMBER

McElrath faces a tough fight to defend his crown against a relentless field that includes key challengers Max Anstie and Enzo Lopes

ATMOSPHERE

"Cape Town is the perfect location for our season finale," said Tom Burwell, CEO of World Supercross "The intensity of the title hunt, combined with the phenomenal atmosphere of the DHL Stadium, guarantees an unforgettable night The riders, teams and fans are all ready to see who has what it takes to be crowned the 2025 World Champion "

Tony Feldman, Director at Showtime Management, emphasised the significance of bringing world-class supercross to South African shores "The quality of racing for the World Supercross Championship finale in Cape Town will be nothing like South African fans have ever seen before To have the world's best riders descend upon DHL Stadium to decide the champions of the world will be a spectacular moment and a fitting climax to the global series," Feldman said The South African GP will feature comprehensive ticket packages catering to

Winelandsstepsupfirereadiness

With the Western Cape entering its most volatile fire season, the Cape Winelands District Municipality (CWDM) has confirmed that all operational plans, resources and partnerships are firmly in place to respond to rising wildfire threats.

The announcement was made during a graduation ceremony for newly trained firefighters held at the Ysterplaat Airforce Base on Friday 21 November

Despite the ongoing threats, the CWDM Fire Training Academy had reason to celebrate as 27 new firefighters joined the team The recruits completed extensive training, including Firefighting 1 and 2, Hazmat Management, and, for some, advanced instructor qualifications

This financial year, the district has allocated R90 million specifically for fire prevention, suppression and emergency readiness a critical investment as the province continues to record an early spike in vegetation fires

Hot, dry and windy conditions have already driven multiple incidents, including at least five recent fires across the Cape Winelands

NEWFIREFIGHTERSREADYFORDEPLOYMENT

Cape Winelands fire chief Wayne Josias said the district’s collaborative systems are fully activated for the season ahead

“We are in constant communication with fire chiefs across the Western Cape All operational details have been aligned not just with municipalities, but also with our key partners such as the FPAs and CapeNature,” he said

The district’s newest cohort of firefighters, who graduated on Friday, will now join frontline teams across the region Trained in wildfire behaviour, suppression tactics and high-pressure

PARTNERSHIPS ARE IN PLACE AND THE DISTRICT IS READY TO RESPOND TO ALL WILDFIRE THREATS

emergency response, they add significant capacity as the province braces for peak fire conditions

AHIGH-RISKSEASONALREADYUNDERWAY

The Western Cape has seen a noticeable escalation in wildfire activity, with strong winds and soaring temperatures fuelling flare-ups from the Cape Winelands through to coastal districts

Authorities are urging residents, landowners and visitors to remain vigilant, report smoke early, and avoid activities that may spark fires during high-risk periods

As the fire season intensifies, officials say readiness, rapid response and community awareness will be essential to protecting lives, property and natural landscapes across the region s

Vermaak // Entertainment

Annualgalasupportsspecialneeds

DESIRÉERORKE

DESIREE RORKE@TYGERBURGER CO ZA

The Daniel and Friends Fund brought magic, music, and real impact together at their annual gala, a night that celebrated purpose and resilience

The event, recently hosted at the picturesque Eensgezind venue outside Durbanville, united a devoted network of supporters alongside the families whose lives the organisation has touched Operating nationwide, this remarkable non-profit has built its reputation on bridging critical gaps in emotional support for families navigating the complex journey of raising children with special needs, a path that can often feel isolating and overwhelming for parents

EMO ADAMS AND PETER G STAR AT DANIEL AND FRIENDS ANNUAL GALA

Though raising funds was essential, the event evolved beyond its monetary aims to become a powerful tribute to courage and strength

The evening's entertainment began with magician Peter G, whose comedic magic show set a lighthearted tone

The highlight arrived when beloved South African entertainer Emo Adams commanded the stage, delivering a performance that had the entire audience tapping their feet Guiding the evening's proceedings was celebrity doctor

Darren Green, who served as master of ceremonies

WHYTHISMATTERS

For families with special needs children, events like Friday's gala is a reminder that their struggles are seen

Founding member and director Lianie le Roux addressed the audience saying that no parents ever expect that their child would be born with a rare disease or other special need while pregnant

"You think this would never happen to you, and are not at all prepared if it does," she said Le Roux stressed that every cent of the money raised go toward the children, be it special equipment or family outings Annual activities hosted by Daniel and Friends Fund throughout the year include a visit to Bugz playpark, a nappy walk and Christmas party with the highlight being the Different is Cool fashion show where the children get the opportunity to take to the catwalk

Co-founder and director Kate Laurie added that the most important thing to remember about Daniel and Friends is that the founding of the organisation was a very personal journey for her and Le Roux, as they both lost their children Daniel and Marielé to rare illnesses in one week, having met each other in the hospital ward

The fund was started in January 2014 in remembrance of Daniel and Marielé

"Something good had to come from all the sadness," Laurie reflected

"As we got talking we pondered on what we missed as parents to special needs children It was a supportive close knit community of parents going through the same thing Someone you can phone late at night when you are emotionally distraught "

A meaningful encounter during a medical emergency marked the beginning of Michelle Phillips' journey to becoming co-director of the organisation, when she first met Le Roux while Daniel was her patient during an ICU ambulance transport to the Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital

"To work with every single person in this organisation

fills my cup every single day," Phillips reflected In a deeply moving address, parents Tamara Yates-Butler and Molly Dube-Kachukiwa shared their transformative journey with the fund, speaking from the unique perspective of mothers navigating the challenges of raising children with special needs Yates-Butler, mother to one child with cerebral palsy and another with autism, alongside Dube-Kachukiwa, who has a child with Down syndrome and another with autism, offered heartfelt testimony about the organisation s impact on their families "I don't know where I would have been without them and what we would have done," Yates-Butler reflected Dube-Kachukiwa echoed this sentiment, adding: "This organisation has given us a voice, a space for our children to shine "

Die groep atlete van Bellville-Suid het weer eens uitgeblink op 15 November by Westelike Provinsie Atletiek se sub- junior baan- en veldkampioenskap in die UWK-atletiekstadion

Atletebringhulkant

Die atlete van Bellville-Suid het weer eens uitgeblink by Westelike Provinsie Atletiek se sub-junior baan- en veldkampioenskap by die UWK-atletiekstadion op Saterdag 15 November.

Die atlete het puik vertonings gelewer in die WPA-kampioenskap, waarin die room van klubatlete meegeding het om 'n plek in die WP-span, wat volgende maand in Potchefstroom in die nasionale kampioenskap gaan deelneem Die kwalifikasie vir insluiting in die span is om Atletiek Suid-Afrika se kwalifiserende tye te haal

Die groep atlete van Bellville-Suid en omliggende gebiede het almal in die kleure van UWK deelgeneem Met die opening van die byeenkoms so knap ná 08:00, het

twee van die atlete, Aliyaah Gordon en Glenacia Andries, goue en silwermedaljes verower toe hulle die 1500m stap-wedloop vir meisies o 13 met gemak gewen het Aliyaah Gordon, wat goud in die stap vir meisies o 13 behaal het, het dit opgevolg met tweede goue medalje toe sy later in die dag ook die verspringtitel vir meisies o 13 verower het, met nog atleet, Tarah Titus, in die tweede posisie (albei is van die Laerskool Kasselsvlei)

Die o 13-seuns het ook nie op hulle laat wag nie, en het soos met die meisies o 13verspring die bordjies verder verhang toe drie van hul atlete, Elijah Collins, Essian Kelly en Jaden Gordon onderskeidelik eerste, tweede en derde geëindig het Asof die podiumposisies en WP-titels nie wil eindig nie, het Trivago Kievieto

WP-SPAN GAAN IN DESEMBER POTCHEFSTROOM TOE

goud behaal in die 600m vir seuns o 9, met Keeran Adams, ook van die klub, in die tweede plek Kievieto het later deur die dag sy pragvertoning opgevolg met silwer in die 80m-eindronde, sowel as brons in die 60m-eindronde

Sezario Tafel het ‘n moeilike wedloop in die 1500m vir seuns o 13 gehad Hy het egter vasgebyt en in die derde plek geëindig

Soos haar seunseweknieë het Tazlyn Meiring in die meisie o 13 ook ‘n moeilike wedloop beleef en moes teen die einde haar eerste posisie aan nog ‘n UWK-atleet,

Elana Scottman, afstaan Hul driekampatleet, Mika-Eel Alexander (seuns o 11), het sy kwalifiserende tye in sy drie items behaal en daardeur sy plek in die WP-span bespreek Chadley Junior Benjamin (seuns o 7) het ook 'n podiumposisie behaal deur derde in die 60m te eindig Die sub-juniorspan wat op 6 Desember aan die nasionale kampioenskap in Potchefstroom gaan deelneem, is as volg: . Skyler Ford: 200m (meisies o 13); . Jenique Prince: Verspring (meisies o 13); . Tazlyn Meiring: 800m, 1500m (meisies o 13); . Keeran Adams: 600m (seuns o 9); . Trivago Kievieto: 600m (seuns o 9); . Sezario Tafel: 800m, 1500m (seuns o 13)