TygerBurger | Bellville | E-edition | 8 July 2026

R366minvested ininfrastructure

The City of CapeTown hasproposed adraft capital budget of more than R366 millionfor community services infrastructure in the2026/27 financial year, targeting upgrades and expansions across libraries, clinics, sports facilities,parks andcemeteries.

The four departments within the Community Services andHealth directorate—Recreationand Parks,City Health, Library andInformation Services, and Community Artsand Culture Development —have been allocated a combined draft capital budget of R366 381 000.

DRAFTCAPITALBUDGETALLOCATED

Key projectsinthe proposed allocation include major upgradestocemeteries, swimming pools,stadium infrastructure and librariesacross themetro.

The topfive capitalprojects are:

. Cemetery Upgrades –R63.5 million

. Swimming Pool Upgrades –R20 million

. Vygieskraal Stadium Cycling Track –R20 million

. Rebuild of Suider-Strand Library –R19.5 million

. Strandfontein Pavilion Refurbishment –R9 million

FOCUSONKEY COMMUNITYPROJECTS

Additional planned projects include upgradestothe Delft Clinic and Hartleyvale Stadium, planning for the Parkwood Community Hall, expansion of theLwandle Library, restoration of theBrown’s Farm Library,and further upgradesatthe Tafelsig Clinic.

Construction of synthetic pitches in Blue Downsand Westridgeisalso expected to begin, with completion planned for the 2027/28 financial year.

UPGRADES

The City says expanding burial capacity remains akey priority as Cape Town continues to grow, with ongoing work to expandexisting cemeteries and develop new facilities in areas including Strand, Kuils River, Mitchells Plain and parts of theSouthern Suburbs.

Aphased refurbishment of the Khayelitsha cemetery boundary fencing is alsoplanned due to vandalism.

At the same time,investment in swimming pool infrastructure continues as part of an ongoingrevitalisation programme, with upgrades across areas

“Thesespacesstrengthen communitiesandimprovequality oflife.”-Francine Higham

including Khayelitsha, Bellville, Strand, Athlone, Gugulethu, Blue Downs, Atlantis, Mnandi and Sea Point.

Recent completed upgrades include facilities in Goodwood, Bellville South, Newlands, Lentegeur, Delft, Langa and Manenberg.

ONGOINGMAINTENANCEPRIORITIES

Beyond major capital projects, the directorate manages more than 3000 parks,102 libraries and hundreds of community facilities across the city.

To support this, an additional R150 million top-up budget has been allocated for repairs and maintenance, bringing the total maintenance budget to more than R950 million.

Mayco member for community services and health, Francine Higham, saidthe investment reflectsthe City’s commitment to improving public infrastructurethat residentsrely on daily.

“This budget reflectsthe City’s continued commitment to investing in public infrastructure that residentsrely on every day. From libraries and community halls to parks,sports facilities, clinics and cemeteries, thesespaces strengthen communities and improve quality of life for all our residents,”said Higham.

“This investment is about protecting, upgrading and expanding thosepublic facilities so that they remain safe and accessible to communities across Cape Town. We call on residentstohelp protect these public assets by reporting vandalism, theft or suspicious activity so that everyone can continue to benefit from them.”

Booksfor agood cause

Andries Olivier Durbanville Quadriplegic Centre in Durbanville is opening itsdoors on Saturday 11 July from 09:00 to 14:00 for its monthly fundraising book sale.

It is the perfectexcuse to grab some great bookswhile supporting ahome for thecentre's disabledresidents. Every cent raised goes directly toward supporting the residents andfunding daily care at the centre.

Thecentre’s bookshop has built up a stellarreputationasa go to spot for an interesting, budget-friendly selection of books. Whether youare into popular English fiction, timeless classics, children's books, Afrikaans books, or engaging non-fiction, they have something to satisfy all tastes —with prices starting from justR5. If you are ahistory buff, you will wanttocheck outtheir rare books about South Africa. This includes an

impressive collection of militaryhistory covering the two World Wars, the Korean War, and the Bush War. The ultimate prize of thismonth's sale is amagnificent, rare work on SouthAfrican artist Norman Catherine by Hazel Friedman —amust have for art collectors.

This month’s specials include cartoon collections like The Huge Book of Hell by TheSimpsons creator MattGroening. You can also snag amassive bargain with their "Laugh @R2" titles,featuring hilarious cartoon collections from Giles, Madam & Eve, and Zapiro.

Avariety of green plants will also be available to purchase. Thebookstoreis also open for walk-in sales every Tuesday and Thursday from 10:00 to 15:00.

. Formoreinformationabout thesaleorhow to donate, contact Allenon078 3935924or Terenceon082 2245454onWhatsApp

Rose pruning demo at Durbanville Rose Garden

Arosecareand winterpruning workshop willbe presentedbythe CityofCape Town's recreationand parksdepartmentinthe DurbanvilleRose Garden on Saturday11Julyfrom10:00 to 13:00 Themorning willincludepresentations on rose care,pest and disease management,aswellasa practical pruning demonstration. Tea, coffee and refreshmentswillbeprovided. This is an open invitationtoall garden enthusiasts and no confirming of attendanceisrequired.

Aury Retir ent

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BoomingBellvillestillgrowing

Bellville’s position as one of Cape Town’s most important economic hubs is continuing to grow,with the CityofCape Town reaffirming its commitment to the areathrough sustained investment,place-making initiatives andstrengthenedpublic-private partnerships.

Mayco member for economic growth, James Vos, cited new data from the Greater Tygerberg Partnership (GTP) —aSpecial Purpose Vehicle funded by the City —that underscores the scale of economic activity already concentrated in the broader Bellville area.

The figures point to approximately 3 500 small and medium-sized enterprises, 250 industrial businesses, nine tertiary institutions and 10 hospitals operating in the region.

PLACE-MAKING

Vos was clearthat place-making extends well beyondaesthetics.

“Place-makingisfar more than beautification. It is aboutcreating environments where people want to invest, open businessesand create employment, study, visit and spend time. This funding reflectsour commitment to unlocking Bellville’s enormouseconomic potential through strong partnerships and targeted interventions.

“The area’s strategic location and transport connectivity continue to position Bellville as amajor gateway for future investmentand development,” he said.

ACITYSTILLWRITINGITSBESTCHAPTERS

ReflectingonBellville’s evolving reputation, Alderman Vos drew on awellknown local reference.

“For many years, people used to

jokingly say, ‘Come to Bellville and CY,’ referring to the old CY number plate. But Ibelieve that phrase is taking on awhole new meaning today becausepeople are increasingly coming to Bellville to see opportunity, investment, innovation and aregion that is actively evolving intoa preferred live-work-play destination.

“Ongoing collaboration between the City, businesses, institutions and community stakeholders is helping to build confidence in the area and unlock further economic opportunities.

“From factory floors to boardrooms, thereisastrong sense of momentum in Bellville. The story of thisarea is still being written, but Ifirmly believe some of itsbest chapters are still ahead,”saidVos.

Cityhonoursfallenheroes

The City of Cape Town has honouredthe bravery and sacrifice of staff members who lost their lives in the lineofduty during itsannual Remembrance Day Service at the Civic Centre on Saturday4July.

CEREMONY

The annual ceremony is held alongside the memorial wall, unveiled in2017, which commemorates enforcement and emergency services personnel who died while serving their communities.

This year, the names of four additional staff members were added, bringing the total number of names on the wall to 51, datingback to 1907.

HONOURINGLIVESOFSERVICE

Executive Mayor GeordinHill-Lewis saidthe annual commemorationserves as areminder of the extraordinary commitment shown by those who dedicate their lives to protecting others.

“Every name we remember today represents alifeofservice.

“A person who chose aprofession that askedmore of them than most careers ever will.

They understood that wearing the uniform meant accepting risks thatmany people wouldnever willingly face. That choice alone deserves our respect,” said Hill-Lewis.

He said whether they served in metro police, law enforcement,Traffic Services, Fire &Rescue Service or Disaster Risk Management, they all shared acommon purpose.

“These menand women accepted a simple but profound responsibility:to protect others, even when doing so placed them in harm’s way.”

REMEMBRANCEDAY

COMMEMMORATES PUBLIC SERVANTSWHO LOST THEIR LIVES IN THE LINEOFDUTY

FOURNAMESADDEDTOMEMORIALWALL

The City honouredfourstaff members whosenames have now been permanently added to the memorial wall. They are:

. lawenforcementofficer Mogamat Shakeel Abrahams, who died in amotor vehicle accident on 17 August 2025;

. MetroPolice Neighbourhood Safety Officer Tyler Lamb, who died on 7 November2025 after falling from aroof during astruggle with asuspectin Kensington;

.FirefighterMario Aisley, who suffered afatalheart attack while on duty on 13 May 2026; and

.LEAP officerLyle Thomas, who was offduty when he stopped to assistatan accident sceneafter identifying himselfto police before beingstruckbyanalleged drunk driver.

ALASTINGLEGACY

The memorial wall nowbears the names of 51 City staff members who have diedin the line of duty overmore thana century, recognising their serviceand ensuring their sacrifices are notforgotten.

The ceremonyalso acknowledged staffmembers who died while off duty, including YonkePakade,Luyolo Mene, Nopinki April, Gavin du Preez and Francois Slabbert.

CALLTOSUPPORTONEANOTHER

Mayco memberfor safety andsecurity, JP Smith, thanked City staff for their

dedication and encouraged colleagues to continue supporting oneanother.

“Today is an opportunity for us to celebrateand honour members who passed in thelineofduty, but we must never lose sightofthe fact that thosewho passed off duty alsoleft an impact,were also somebody’s friend, someone’s partner, and someone’s family member.”

He urgedstaff to continue looking out for oneanother, saying that by guiding, encouraging andhelping each other,“together, we are stronger as a directorate.”

UWC’slibraryentersdigitalage

The University of the Western Cape (UWC) is pioneering abold digital transformation that positions it at the forefront of higher education innovation in South Africa.

Under the visionary leadershipofDr Shirlene Neerputh, DirectorofLibrary Services,UWC Libraries is evolving from atraditional resource centre into adynamic digital knowledge hub designed to power academiainthe Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). The transformation reflects UWC's broader commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and academic excellence, building on its historical legacy as a university withastrong socialjustice mission.

DIGITALLIBRARYPLANS

Neerputh's vision is for UWC Libraries to become afuture-ready digitallibrary integrated with technology,enabling access to information and data-driven services in the 4IR. Her missionisto enhance UWC's academic project through digitally transformed libraryservices and her leadership reflects adeep understanding that modern libraries are not defined by physical resources and

spaces, butbytheir abilitytoconnect people, ideas, technology, andknowledge in meaningfuland transformative ways that promote social justice.

To achieve this, Neerputh hascrafted anew library structure with acrossfunctionalserviceteamculture, aligned to theUWC institutional operating plan2026–2030. Thelibrary fosters a work culture driven by the principles of professionalism, teamwork,and accountability. "Neerputh is helpingto bridge educational divides andempower students bydriving digital inclusion and creating equitable access to scholarly informationfor success,"the university saidinastatement.

Akey driver of this transformation hasbeen the university'sinvestmentin digitalinfrastructure andinformation technologies. Through the Centre forInformation andCommunication Services andInnovative Education and Communication Technologies (CIECT), UWC has developed a"DigitalCampus" where innovative technologies support learning, research,and institutional efficiency. Theuniversity hasexpanded campus-wide Wi-Fi connectivity, online learning,cloud-based computing and

UNIVERSITY OF THE WESTERNCAPE EMBRACES TECHNOLOGYTOEXPAND ACCESS TO KNOWLEDGE

digital communication platforms, multimedia production, and digital skills development to ensure that communities aredigitally connected.

ACADEMICECOSYSTEM

Under Neerputh'sstewardship, UWC Librarieshas evolved intoa technologically enabled academic ecosystem that embeds information resourcesand services in curricula and research, bolstering the creation, preservation,and dissemination of knowledge

Thelibrariesoffer"spaces and places" for onlinelearning, with digital communication platforms to support flexible participation and lifelong learning, drivenbythe Library Learning and Teaching andScholarly Communications staff teams.Students andacademics from diverse backgrounds can participate regardless of geographic limitations.

Therapid advancement of digital technologies, online learning, generative artificial intelligence, and global research collaboration has disrupted how knowledge is accessed, produced, and shared. Adigitally integrated and connected library service enables the university to adapt quickly to disruptions, emerging technologies including generative AI, and changing educational models.

Artificial intelligence has become an increasingly important part of the digital campus landscape. While AI offers enormous opportunities to improve teaching, learning and research efficiencies, automate information retrieval, personalise learning experiences, and enhance administrative systems, it also introduces important ethical and academic considerations.

Neerputh believes that digital transformation at UWC Libraries is built on fostering trust, encouraging collaboration, supporting continuous learning, and creating shared ownership of institutional change. "Innovation should always be accompanied by ethical leadership, inclusivity, and long-term vision," she said.

Damoyinamedactingpolicecommissioner

Premier Alan Winde andWestern Cape MECofPolice Oversight and Community Safety, Anroux Marais, have welcomed the appointment of Major GeneralLuyanda Damoyi as acting Western Cape ProvincialPolice Commissioner.

Damoyipreviously served asDeputy Provincial Commissioner under his predecessor, Lt Gen Thembisile Patekile, abackground that boththe premier and the minister say positions him well for the role.

“MajGen Damoyi brings with him a wealth of experience and knowledge, having served as the Deputy Provincial Commissioner, under his predecessor, Lt Gen Thembisile Patekile,” saidWinde.

safety and fosteringtrust between the police andthe communities it servesby upholding the highest standards of justice andaccountability.”

RESOURCINGANDDECENTRALISATION TOPTHEAGENDA

While welcoming theappointment, Winde was candidabout the challenges awaiting the new acting commissioner He called on Damoyi to makeresourcinga priority from theoutset.

“I urge theMaj Gentoprioritise the pushfor betterresourcing.The police in the Western Cape continues to face significant resource constraints, making strongpartnerships with municipallaw enforcement agencies, including the Law

“While theWestern Cape Government remains committed to supporting the policewherever possible, we must also acceleratediscussions on decentralising keypolicingfunctions, such as expanding investigative powers andstrengthening intelligence capabilities withinmetro police services.”

Both thepremierand the MEC urged Damoyitoconsiderimplementing the recommendations outlined in the Western Cape Government’s Policing Needs and Priorities Report, whichtheysay would assist in improving the workofthe police and other law enforcementagencies across theprovince

PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT HEADSWELCOME APPOINTMENT WHILE DETAILINGCHALLENGES

Jongstemmedraookwaarde “I

Sport is asource of hope,pride,unity

Sport is often described as agame, butfor millions of people it is much more than that. It is asource of hope, pride, identity and unity.

In South Africa, where ourhistory is markedbydivision and inequality,sport has proven its abilitytobringpeople together in ways that politics and social programmes cannot.

It reminds us that despite our differences, we share common dreamsand emotions.

Just afew weeks ago, the nation celebrated when Bafana Bafana made South African football history by reaching the Fifa World Cup knockout stages for the firsttimebydefeating SouthKorea1-0 in theirfinal groupgame.

Theirdisappointing defeat toCanada in thelast32ofthe competition,whichsaw them bowing outofthe tournament, serves as aperfectexample.

As thefinal whistle blew, millions of SouthAfricans experienced the same feeling of heartbreak.Inthatmoment,we were not divided by language, religion or social status. We were simply South Africans supporting our team.

This is the unique power of sport. It creates moments where differences disappear, even if only for awhile. It allows strangers to celebratetogether, comfortone another and believe in something bigger than themselves.

Sport has the abilitytounite communities around acommon purpose South Africa has witnessedthis power before. The1995 RugbyWorld Cup remainsone of the greatest examples of

SPORTGIVEUSREASONSTO BELIEVEINONEANOTHER

sport promoting national unity. When the Springboks lifted theWebb EllisCup, it was more than asporting victory.It became asymbol of reconciliation.

Former President Nelson Mandela understood that sportcould healwounds andbuild bridges wherewords alone could not.

Sportalso inspires the next generation. Young athletes learnvaluable life skills such as discipline, teamwork, perseverance and respect.

Many children growing up in disadvantaged communitiessee successful sportsmen and women as proof thathard work anddetermination canovercome difficult circumstances.

For some, the sportsfieldbecomes a place of opportunityand hope rather than despair

However, the power of sport should not only be celebrated during victories. Defeat also teaches important lessons. Losing remindsusthat successrequires resilience, patience and continuous improvement. Bafana Bafana's recent loss may haveended the dream of lifting atrophy, but it also showed howdeeply South Africans care about theirnational team.The pain of defeat is evidence ofthe passion and unity that football continues to inspire.

As anation, we should continue investing in school sport,community facilities andathlete development. Sporting success doesnot happen by chance. It requires proper planning, funding and support from government, businesses and communities. It requires us to recognise sport as an investment in social cohesion rather than merely entertainment.

The true value of sport cannot be measured by trophies alone.Its greatest achievementlies in itsability to unite people.

Sportgive us reasons to believe in one anotherand in the nation we are building.

Kommentaar // Comments

Rietvleihas more to offer

Recent discussion around thetemporaryclosure of wateractivities at Rietvlei mayhavecreated the impression that the reserveitselfwas closed. This was not the case.The area where wateractivities take placerepresents only asmallportion of Rietvlei, and it wasonlythis section that wastemporarilyclosed The663-hectareNatureReserve remained open to the public throughout andcontinues to offer awide rangeofattractions forvisitors. Rietvlei is afavourite destination forbirdwatchers, with its well-maintained birdhideprovidingexcellent viewingopportunities.

Thereserve also offers picnic areas, line fishing (with the required permit), andeducational activities forchildren during school holidays,centred aroundthe wooden education centrebuiltand maintained by the FriendsofRietvlei.

We also host regulartalks by conservation experts on topics of environmentalinterest.Itisworth remembering that,thanks to the efforts of dedicated residents in 1984,Rietvlei wasprotected from being developed intoaresidential marina.

Today, it is atreasured natural area that supports pelicans, flamingos andaround165 other birdspecies.

In this regard,the City's Bayside Canalproject,which aimstoimprovestormwatermanagement before waterenters Rietvlei, is awelcome initiativethatwillhelp safeguard the health of this importantecosystem.

We encourageresidents to enjoyall that Rietvlei hastooffer —includingwater sports when conditions allow—while continuingtosupport the conservation of this unique natural asset forfuture generations.

NELIS

VISAGIE, Friends of Rietvlei

Call centre rises to the occasion in Maystorms

Following the devastation that followedthe storm around 11 May, it washeartwarmingtosee residents coming outtohelpthose who were most affected by the wind and torrential rain

Weather eventssuchasthisone requirethe City to be fullyoperational in handlingservicecalls and emergencycalls.Weoften rely on our residents to be our eyes on the groundalertingustoemergencies.

As the Maycomember forcorporateservices, Iam extremelyproud of howour call centreagents riseto the occasion.

In Mayalone theCity's Customer Relations Department recorded atotal of 271940 customer interactions between 1and 28 May2026.Thisexceptional numberdemonstrates the high demand formunicipal services andthe importance of multiplecustomer engagementchannels.The interactions included 116 758 telephone calls, 36 990 emails, 109 125WhatsApp engagements,and 9067 SMS interactionsacrossthe City'sAccountsand General,Water,and Electricity servicequeues. Thesenumbers do not includecalls made to the 107safetyand securitynumber If youare in need of aserviceorincaseofan emergency, youcan contact the City via logginga C3

request:

Theprimarygoalofservicerequests is to ensure effectiveservicedeliverythroughoutCape Town. If you wouldliketosubmit aservicerequest,report afault in your area or loganissue, youcan do so via ourcustomer call centreat0860 103089 or online at www capetown.gov.za/servicerequests. Youcan also useour WhatsApp number060 018 1505

While we understand the distress of being, forinstance,without powerorwater,I wouldliketoremind peoplenot to lognumerous servicerequests on the same issue.Itcauses bottlenecksinthe system

As we buildaCitythatisabeaconofhope,it'salso areality that in extreme emergencysituationsthereis ahierarchyofresponses, rather like the triage system that operates in healthcarefacilities. Theaggravation of nothavingpowerina safe domestic setting has to be weighed against the risksofliveelectric wires having been blownintoroads.

Iwouldliketothank those residents who helped out their neighbours, donated food andblankets to those displaced by storm damage.Together we can indeed buildabetterfuture.

THERESA UYS, Durbanville

Advocatingfor motorcycle safety,licensing

With the petrol prices rising, most likely we will see moremotorcycles aroundasanalternativecommute option. Ican remember in the 80swhenmynow husband used to travel with his50cctovisit me,almostgot pulledoverevery daytohavehis motorcycle licencechecked.

He gotsousedtoitthathemade sure he had it with him, becauseinthose days therewas no licencecard like these days.Itseems that the only time thatweget pulledoveriswhenwetravel long distanceswith the bikes or to abikeevent

Thesecheckswillalsoclear up the general question everyone hasabout, especially the motorcycledelivery riders goingaroundand that “theysurelydonot have alicence”, becauseoftheir ridingskills Iamall forthese checkspurelyfor the fact that anyone who does nothavealicence, no matter what vehicle, should notride andshouldnot be on the road. Ialsofeel stronglyaboutthe fact that everyone who gets intoavehicletodrivealsoshouldhaveat leastthird-partyinsuranceaswell.

MOTORCYCLE COMMUTER, Philadelphia

‘KIDSINRAIN’: Carima vanden Berg,aregular Vergelegen visitor with her grandchildren,won thePeople’sChoiceaward and took second placein theCameraClass category in thefourth Essenceof Vergelegen photography contest.Outstanding black-and-white photographs capturing themanyfacetsofhistoric Vergelegen Wine Estate were unveiled at afunction forthe 25 finalists on Sunday 1July.

Hierdie is ‘n abnormalewinter

Hierdie sonnigewinter maak my bekommerd. Ek het nognooit so 'n lekker winter in Kaapstad beleefnie.Waar onsgewoonlikreg deur Junie en Julie reën en koue kry, het onsvanjaar meer sonskyn, blou lugentemperature watskaars onder 15 grade daal. Op die oog af lykdit wonderlik. Wiekla oor sonskyn? Maar togisekbekommerd.Klimaatkundiges waarsku dat die somerwat kom, een vandie warmsteooit gaan wees. As dit die winter is, watwag vir onsinFebruarie? Ek is bekommerddat onsweer te doen gaan krymet droogte,brandgevaar en waterbeperkings. Dit is lekker om noubuitetekan wees en nie elke dagnat te word nie,maar onsmoet onsoëoophou Hierdie tipe winter is nie normaal nie.Enasdie natuur iets vir onsprobeer sê,moetons maar begin luister 'N KAPENAAR WATDIE WOLKE MIS, E-pos

Iamaratepayer andresident of Brackenfell, andIam furious. Without so much as aknock on ourdoors, without asingle conversation with the peoplewho live,work andpay ratesinthis area,the CityofCape Town hasgoneahead anderected informal trading bays at Jannie Engelbrecht Park,a park that ourcommunityhas maintained, used andlovedfor years. And when residents did raisetheir voices, we were told the projectwas approvedbackin2024. Nobody knew. Nobody wasasked. Nobody wastold. TheCity claims notices were delivered by hand andpublished in newspapers.

Ichallengethem to produce asingle signaturefrom aresident in this area confirmingreceipt

Anoticestuffed in aKraaifontein newspaper,a paper that is notevendistributed in Brackenfell, apparentlyqualifies as public participation in Cape Town today.

This is notdemocracy.This is the Citydoingexactly as it pleasesand dressing it up in bureaucratic languageafterward

We aretoldtotrust aprocess that excluded us. We aretoldtoaccept adecisionmade withoutus. And when we askquestions, we aremet with vague assurances.

TheDAlikes to present Cape Town as abeaconof good governance.But what kind of governance ignores its ownresidents, approves projects without proper public participation, andthen builds in the dead of night before the communitycan respond? If this is what passes fordemocracy in Cape Town, then we have lost something farmoreimportant than apark

Avianflucasesincreasing

KAILINDANIELS KAILIN.DANIELS@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

Ascases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu, continue to climb acrossSouth Africa,conservation authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and help protectvulnerable seabirds by avoiding contact with sick or dead birds andreporting suspected cases.

The disease is highly contagious among birds and has resulted in significant mortality in wild bird populations. Conservation authorities are appealing to

Authoritiesare appealing to residents to report sick or dead seabirds whilekeeping asafedistance to help curb thespreadofbirdflu.

PUBLIC URGEDTOAVOID CONTACTWITH SICK OR DEAD BIRDS

residents andvisitors to help protectboth wildlife andtheir pets by avoiding contact withsick or dead birds.

DISEASECONTINUESTOSPREAD

HPAI is aseriousand currently incurable diseaseinwild birds.

Where infection is confirmed, humane euthanasia is often the most compassionatecourse of action to prevent unnecessary sufferingand limit the spread of thevirus to other birds.

CapeNature CEO Dr AshleyNaidoo said seabirds play an importantrole in the health ofmarineand coastalecosystems.

“Seabirds are importantindicators of thehealth of ourmarine andcoastal ecosystems.

“Byreportingsuspected cases of avian influenzaand followingsafety guidelines, members of the public can support conservation agenciesinresponding effectively while reducing risks to wildlife andpeople.”

KEEPPETSAWAY

Authoritiesstress that the public shouldnever touch, move or attempt to rescue sick or dead birds. Dogs and other pets should alsobekept well away fromaffected birds to reducethe riskof

exposure.

If abird is encountered, it should be observedfrom asafe distance without causing furtherdisturbance.

WHATTODOIFYOUFINDABIRD

Residents who come across sick or dead birds are encouragedtorecordimportant information suchasthe location, date, species (if known),the number of birds affected andany unusualbehaviour, including tremors or disorientation. Photographsorvideos may also be taken, provided thebird is not disturbed. Reports should then be submitted to the appropriateauthority.

Live seabirds should be reported to SANCCOB on 078 638 3731, while dead seabirds can be reported using the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment’s online Avian Influenza Reporting Tool.

Multiple dead birds found together should be reported to the relevant municipality, CapeNature, SANParks, landowner or local stranding network for safe removal.

Live birds of otherspecies should be reported to thelocal State Veterinarian, while dead birds should be reported to the relevant conservationauthority.

Authorities areappealing to residentstoreportsick or dead seabirds whilekeeping asafedistancetohelp curbthe spread of birdflu.

RARERISKTOHUMANS

Although certain strains of HPAI can infect humans, infections remain rare. Authorities advise anyone who has had potential exposure to sick or dead birds and later develops flu-like symptoms to seek medical advice promptly.

Conservation authorities emphasise that every report plays an important role in monitoring the outbreak, identifying affected areas and coordinating an effective response.

By following safetyguidelines and reporting suspected cases, the public can help protect SouthAfrica’s seabirds, other wildlife and the country’sfragile coastal ecosystems.

City breakstourism recordswithvisitor and revenue

Cape Town Tourism’s 2025 EconomicValue of Tourism report shows the sector generatedsome R24,5 billion in direct tourism spend during 2025, with R19 billion coming from internationalvisitors Tourism accounted for6,3% of the city’s total grossvalue added and sustained morethan106 000jobs. Data from Airports CompanySouth Africa showedarecord11,1million two-waypassengers

Help Rotary spreadhope

Jam and margarine areurgentlyneeded by Durbanville Rotary Club to be abletodeliver sandwiches to 3000 children on MandelaDay next weekend "Weare days away from MandelaDay,and our timeline is fixed. Sandwiches arebeing made on 20 Julyand delivered to 3000 children on 21 July,"says Melinda Downey, club secretary. They urgentlyneed jam and margarine to completethe meal packs. Alldonations are needed by Friday17July latest "Thereisnospace for late contributions, but thereisstillspace for sponsors who act now. If youcan help,this is the moment.Your support willdirectlyreach a childwho starts school hungry,"she urges. "The initiativeisopen to everyone,not just businesses. Individuals, families, schools, and churches canall contribute,"Downey says . To donate, sponsor aspecific item, or volunteer on 20 or 21 July, contact Melinda on 082496 7894 (WhatsApp) or secretary@ rotarydurbanville co.za

travelledthrough Cape Town airportin2025, with some 3,3 million beinginternationalpassengers, a 7% year-on-yearincrease.

Foreign overnight visitors reached1,44million, stayinganaverage of 9,5nightsand spending around R1 390per day. Topsource marketsincluded theUnitedKingdom,which aloneaccountedfor morethan 210000 visitors,followedbythe United

States,Germany,the Netherlands,Franceand Australia.

However, thereporthighlighted asharp contrastindomestictourism.Local tourism spend fell about 32%fromR8billion in 2024 to R5,5 billion in 2025,despitedomesticovernight visitornumbers remainingclose to internationalfiguresataround 1,42 million.The averagestayfor domestic visitors

dropped from 5,2nights to 4,4nights, with daily spend declining to R882

To counter this, Cape Town Tourism haslaunched “You don’t need aholiday, youneed My Cape Town” to encouragelocal travel;a regionalpartnership with Zimbabwe andNamibia andthe “One SmallWorld” international brandplatform targeting high-value long-haultravellers.”

IMPORTANT NOTICE

FORM 3A -NOTICE OF APPLICATIONSFOR LIQUOR LICENCES IN TERMSOFSECTION 37(1) OF THEWESTERNCAPELIQUORACT,2008 –[REG. 10(1)]

Notice is hereby giventhatthe following applications forliquorlicenceshavebeenlodgedwiththe WesternCapeLiquorAuthority (the Authority)and with the designated liquorofficers at theindicated SouthAfrican PoliceService offices. Theapplicationsconcerned may, up to andincluding the 28thday from the date of publicationofthe application, upon requestand free of charge,beinspected by anyperson, at the officesofthe Authority or the designatedliquorofficer listedhereunder. Copies of an applicationcan be obtained from theAuthority afterpayment of theprescribedfee. Objections andrepresentationsmustbelodged in writingwiththe Authorityand thedesignatedliquorofficerinaccordancewithsection 39 of theAct VORM 3A -KENNISGEWINGVAN AANSOEKE OM DRANKLISENSIES INGEVOLGEARTIKEL 37(1)

VANDIE WES-KAAPSE DRANKWET,2008 –[REG. 10(1)]

Hiermeewordkennisgegee datdie volgende aansoekeomdranklisensies ingedien is by dieWes-Kaapse Drankowerheid(dieOwerheid) en]bydie aangewese drankbeamptesbydie aangeduideSuid-Afrikaanse Polisiedienskantore.Die betrokke aansoekekan,tot en metdie 28ste dagvanaf diedatum vanpublikasie van dieaansoek,opversoek en gratis deur enigepersoon besigtig word by diekantore vandie Owerheid of dieaangewese drankbeampte hierondergelys.Afskrifte van’naansoek kanbydie Owerheid verkry word na betalingvan dievoorgeskrewefooi.Besware en vertoë moet ooreenkomstigartikel 39 vandie Wetskriftelikby dieOwerheidendie aangewese drankbeampte ingedien word IFOMU3A- ISAZISOSOKUFAKWA KWESICELO SEPHEPHAMVUME NGOKWECANDELO37(1)

LOMTHETHOWOTYWALAWENTSHONAKOLONIKA-2008– [UMGAQO10(1)]

Isazisosiyanikezelwa ukubaezi zicelo zilandelayozamaphephamvume otywalazifakiwekwabasemaGunyeniezoTywala eNtshona Koloni (abasemaGunyeni) nakumagosa ajongene nemiba engotywala kwii-ofisi ezixeliweyozeeNkonzo zamaPolisaaseMzantsiAfrika. Iziceloekubhekiselelwa kuzo zingakwazi kwiintsuku ezingamashumiamabini anesibhozo (28) ukususelangomhla wokupapashwa kwesisicelo, xa eceliwekwaye simahla,ziyekuhlolwanguye nawuphiumntu okwi-Ofisi esemaGunyeni okanye yegosa elijongene nemiba engotywala elixelwe apha ngezantsi. Iikopi zesicelozingafumaneka kwabasemaGunyeni emva kwentlawuloemiselweyo. Uchaso neengxeloezixhasayoezibhaliweyozingafakwakwabasemaGunyeninakwigosa elijongene nemiba engotywala ngokwecandelo39loMthetho

No.Fullnameofapplicant

Volle naam vanaansoeker Igamaelipheleleyo lomfaki-sicelo

Name underwhich business will be conducted

Naam waaronder besigheidbedryfsal word

Igamaishishini eza kushishina phantsikwalo

Addressofthe proposed premises

Adresvan dievoorgenomeperseel

Idilesi yesakhiwo

Kind of licence appliedfor Tipe lisensie waarom aansoek gedoen word

Uhlobo lwephepha mvumeolucelayo

SouthAfrican Police Services designated liquorofficeroffice wherethe application hasbeen lodged

Suid-Afrikaanse Polisiedienskantoor vandie aangewese drankbeampte waar die aansoek ingedien is i-Ofisi yeGosa elijongene nemiba engotywala yeeNkonzozamaPolisa eMzantsiAfrikaapho isicelosifakwe khona

Galleryannouncesartistwinners

The winners of the JuniorPortrait Award 2026 of Rust-en-Vrede Gallery andClay Museum were announced on 13 June during an awards eventatthe gallery in Durbanville.

The artwork titled Maked MePretty in coloured pencilonbrown paper by 18-yearoldWeliswa Mdluli from Uplands College in Mpumalanga stole the limelight and was announced as the winner.

Second is Allegra du Randt (18) from Thomas More College in KwaZulu-Natal with her work If He Could in acrylic and pencil crayon on paper

The third-place winner is Kenah Seba (17) from ReddamHouse Durbanville with her painting titled Assessing the Damages in oil on brown paper.

The winner of the Artwire Merit Award is Luché van Jaarsveld (16) from Afrikaans Hoër MeisieskoolinGauteng. Herwork KaleidoscopeofBecoming was done in mixed mediaonpaper

Allthe works can be viewed at the gallery until Saturday 11 July.

EXTENSIONOFPORTRAITAWARD

The Junior Portrait Award was launched in 2023 by the Rust-en-VredeGallery as an extensionofthe PortraitAward, specifically forhigh school learners between the ages of 16 and 18.

The Portrait Awardisanational competitionopen to South African artists aged 18 andolder.

CONTEST AN EXTENSION OF PORTRAIT AWARDS

“Overthe years, the Rust-en-Vrede team received numerous enquiries from younger artists interested in participating In response, the Junior Portrait was created to provide aplatformspecifically for high schoollearners between the ages of 16 and 18,” said Kelisha Persotham, project manager of the Junior Portrait Award.

“Whatbegan as alocal initiative for schoolsin thearea hassincegrown into anational competition. Now in itssecond year, the Junior Portrait continuesto grow and aims to reach even more entries while connectingwith awider community of young artistic talent acrossSouth Africa,” she said.

MORETHANDOUBLETHEENTRIES

“This year, 232 entries came in from across South Africa —more thandouble thenumber received in 2024. By offering online submissionsand removing the entry fee, Ihopedtocreate awelcoming andinclusive space for these local young artists from all diverse backgrounds

“This year's finalist selection reflects the remarkable range of talent, techniqueand perspective among South Africa's young artists.Eachportrait offers aglimpseinto howits young creatorsees the world, and whatthey chosetocapture abouttheir subject,”Persothamsaid.

WORKISVALUABLE

“I want to reinforce the idea thatyoung artists'workisvaluable anddeserve to be recognised, appreciated, supported anddeveloped. Oneofthe key benefits ofentering is theopportunity to have theirworkexhibited in aprofessional gallery setting, where it can be seenby otherartists and members of the arts community,” she said.

Forthe 2026 JuniorPortrait, the top three winners will receive art vouchers redeemable at their local PNA.

“Art suppliescan be abarrier for many

artists, andthusthis prize hopes to empower the studentsbyallowing them to purchasetheir preferredart materials or explore newmedia outside theircomfort zone. Ihope this encourages them to keep creatingand helps furthernurture their artistic voiceand growth,”Persotham said.

JUDGINGPANEL

“We would like to thank our judging panel consistingofcontemporary artist and educator J.C. Bolke, Carine NepgenLouwfrom the Nepgen School of Art and Artwire's Yolandé Snyders for theirtime and expertise during the adjudication process,” she said.

. To acquire awork, contactthe galleryon 068457 8589 or gallery@rust-en-vrede.com

Thewinning portrait,titled Maked Me Pretty, wasthat of WeliswaMdluli from Uplands Collegein Mpumalanga.