Igen
aga mur the bes dur of fir ac cri ch trans experience the Park the givi traumatic against of wa following Cap teenager's co ch co Sout
Sapoaexplains
. Die Alta du Toit-sentrumbied'ngala-eteom18:30 by Lincolnstraat 80,Boston, Bellville,aan.Gastekan uitsienna'ndriegang-ete,lewendigevermaak en 'n veiling, asook 'n geheime geskenk. Die bekende seremoniemeester Anrich Herbst salversekerdat alles vlot en gesellig verloop. Kaartjiesisbeskikbaarteen R850 perpersoon.Bespreekper e-posnadonation@ altadutoit.org.za.
SUNDAY31MAY
. Discoverthe hidden secretsand relics of an abandoned WW2MilitaryBaseinLlandudno,during aspecial "TOPSECRET" Heritage Tunneland Bunker Tour forTourism Month. Thetrail starts at the bigGun inApostlesBattery Llandudno at 10:30, and willend in thesamespot.Explorersneedtobewalking fit,as thereare stepsand obstaclestohurdleand laddersto climb. Childrenneedtobeaccompanied by an adult. Space is limited to 20.Ticketsare R295 per person. Email Mattaatmattweisse@mweb.co.zatobookor formoreinformation.
SATURDAY6JUNE
. TheCapeTownGem and MineralClub'snextopen daytakes placefrom10:00 to 14:00 at 14aGoede HoopSt, Bothasig. Entryisfree. Learnmoreabout ourhobby of crystals,gems, and mineral specimen collecting, and relatedcraftwork.Trawl the stalls, chat to membersand find your special item. Plenty of off-roadparking. Food available.
Storms batter communities
Cape Town’s Safety andSecurity Directorateisworkingclosely with City of Cape Town services to manage and respond to hundreds of incidents reported in thewakeofamassive frontal system that struck Cape Town this week, the City said.
Between06:00 and09:30 on Monday morning, thePublic Emergency Communication Centre (PECC) received just over 950 calls.
Weather-relatedincidentsdominated, with downed trees, motor vehicle accidentsand power issues were among themostfrequently reported concerns.
Over theweekend, the PECC recorded 1220 calls for assistance.Ofthese, 64 were related to physical assault, 29 to domestic violence, andemergency services were dispatchedto44motor vehicle and pedestrian accidents.
The City’s Fire and Rescue Service has madeavailable its wildland firefighters to assist with clearing tree debris across the
city where needed.
Theservice has also made its heavy rescue crane available to help remove fallen trees, the City said.
Disaster Risk Management is spearheading aDisaster Operations Centre in Goodwood, which brings together all City departments, utilities and other role players.
“Our officers are doing duty at intersections, assisting where roads have been closed due to flooding or fallen trees, and responding to calls for help. We are supporting other departments and lending ahand where possible. Iwant to encourage residentstostay indoors where possible, take extra precautions on the road if you have to go out and report incidentsimmediately. Your safetyiswhat matters most, so do not take risks,”said Mayco member for safetyand security JP Smith.
. Residentsare urgedtoreport emergenciesby dialling 021480 7700
Crimesceneturnedintobookhaven
DESIREERORKE
DESIREE.RORKE@TYGERBURGER.CO.ZA
Onthe spot where aman wasshot, he builta library and gave ageneration somethingworth fighting for.
In Scottsville whereterritory wars have claimed lives and stolen childhoods, acorner where drugs were often peddled, has become something altogether different —asanctuary of books and learning.
Adecade ago, community leader
Terance Crowster placed two shipping containersonthe spot where adrug dealer had been shot dead in agang war, filled them with books, and opened the Hot-Spot Library.
AHAVENOFBOOKS
The walls of the makeshift library are lined with books. Colourful tables are scattered with games and puzzles and children’s arts and craftsadorn the ceiling.“Books opened up awhole new world to these children, taking them to places far away,” he told TygerBurger on the day the librarycelebrated its tenth birthday recently. “It transformed their lives. It is as if their minds were freed while gang violence exploded around them.”
Children have been streaming through its doors six days a week since its founding, and membership carries afirm expectation. Eachchild must read at least twentybooks per year. Those books are then discussed at
rp ipat gi
something thatwill enlarge their mentalterritory. Formostof these kids,gangviolenceisa second skinthey put on every day,” he explains.“We hadto break that thing.”
ADIFFERENTLIFE
Terance grew up in Scottsville. He waseleven years old when anurse running aprogramme at thelocal clinicdid something thatheheld closefor four decades
“She toldmethat shesaw theleader in me. She gave me achance to be myself, andat that moment, Iknew there wassomething else for me.I didn’t have to be pulled into gangsterism,likesomanyfriends aroundme.”
Before establishing the library, he hadobserved children struggling with basic literacy before entering high school, and recognised atwo-foldpurpose: “Apart fromhavinga safe place away fromdomestic violence, andoff the dangerousstreets, children could comehere to learn howtoread.”. Aleadershipdevelopment programmewas established,
ng ap y.
“It was acommunity celebration of overcomingand achieving,” he said, noting that not asingle rand of government fundinghad been received to sustain the programme. “The charity of good people allowedus to grow, andthe achievements of thepastdecade speakfor themselves.”
LIVESREWRITTEN
He tells of two young menwho passedthrough the library’s doors andwent on to become u-19Western Provincerugby players, andaGrade 11 girl who has begun to write abook.Over athousandchildren have passed through thelibrary’s doors, and current membership stands at eight hundred and fifty.
“Myhighlights were whenkids ran to me at theend of aschool term to showmetheir good reports,” he says, “andtosee thepride in their eyes as they improvedatschool.”
The library’s slogan of “Making meaningfulconnections towards change” hascome to life in the decade of work it represents.
“Throughout the years, our main aim has been to encourage
Kuilsrivier-man vermisnabyWorcester
CARINAROUX
Die soektog na 'n vermisteman van Kuilsrivier in die Du Toitskloofberge is voorlopig Sondag opgeskort weens die gure weer, maar sal hopelik binnekort hervat word.
Michael Waltman (30) het verlede week spoorloos verdwyn nadat hy op Dinsdag 5Mei by die Du Kloof Lodge, aan die Worcester-kant van die Hugenote-tonnel, ingeboekhet.
Sy ma, Alex Waltman, het bevestigdat hy blykbaar 'n oornagstaptog wou aanpak. "Ons weet niewatter roete hy wou stap nie, maar dit was vermoedelikvanaf die lodge."
Daar is verskeie staproetesin die omgewing,vanaf die lodge, sowel as CapeNature-roetes in die Limietbergnatuurreservaat (die Elandsrivier-en die Kromrivier-staproetes) wat net 'n paar kilometer van die lodge af is Waltman het gesê diepersoneel by die lodge het die Woensdagoggend Michael se kamerdeur ongesluitgevind. Nadatdaar deur diedag geen teken vanhom wasnie, hetsyhaar seun Woensdagaand as vermis by die Paarl-polisie aangemeld. "Die polisie was Woensdagaand daar om die nabye omgewing te deursoek, maar daar was nie veel wat hulle in die nag kondoen nie."
SOEKTOG
Op Donderdag 7Mei is met'n grootskaalse soektog in die berge begin Vrydag het 'n honde-eenheiden'n menslike spoorsnyer met diesoektog kom help. Die polisie en nooddienste het ook hommeltuie ingespan en een persoon was verantwoordelikomdie hele soektog te koördineer, het Alex gesê. Afriforum het haar Sondaggekontak en aangebied om ook te kom help om met hommeltuie te soek sodradie stormweer opklaar. Waltman hethaar misnoeëuitgespreek oor mense wat bespiegel en valse kommentaar op sosiale medialewer (soos dat hy gevindis).
Nadat sy verlede Woensdagby die lodge was, het sy Michael se motor, wat nog daar geparkeerwas, teruggebring
MichaelWaltman (30) vanKuilsrivierwordvermis nadat hy vermoedelik in die Du Toitskloofberge gaan stap het.Hy is‘n oud-leerder vandie Laerskool Mikro en die Hoërskool De Kuilen.
Kuilsrivier toe. "Ekhet Maandag by die lodge ingeboek en ek is bly ek het, want al die paaie is noutoe weens modderstortings," hetsy gister aan TygerBurger gesê. Kapt.FCvan Wyk,polisiewoordvoerder, het gesê'noperasionele sentrum is (verlede week) by die lodge opgestel en verskeie polisie-eenhede het gehelp met die soektog,waaronder die Paarl-polisie se honde-eenheid. Hommeltuie van die gesondheidsdepartement is ingespan en spanne vanCapeNature het ook metdie soektog gehelp. "Die hommeltuig-eenheid kon grootgedeeltes van die bergagtige terrein dek. 'n Ontlontingsessie is by die lodgegehoutoe die soektog opgeskort moeswordweens die risiko's wat die modderige, natterrein en volgehouereën inhou," het Van Wyk gesê.
Terance said: “I have learned in theprocess that you are never tooold to learn.”
He thanked every person who had contributed to the journey “Thank you for believing in this missionand walking alongside me as we continue to make meaningful connections that bringabout real change. Each act of kindness has helped shape
lives and plant seeds of hope in our community. This journey is not mine alone. It belongs to all of us who believe that change is possible. It excites me every day to see what these children do with their lives.”
TeranceCrowsterhas dedicated tenyears of his life to foster changeinahopeless community. PHOTO: SOLLYLOTTERING
Mentor and children on the dayofthe celebration. PHOTO: SOLLYLOTTERING
DeanSmithkrysyeie TV-vermaakprogram
Dit gebeur nie aldag dat jy deel van ’n televisie-gehoorkan wees wanneer’nsplinternuwevermaakprogram vir kykNET &kie opgeneem word nie.
Dieimmergewilde Dean Smithvan Suidooster-faamisdie aanbieder van Show’kie, waarvan opnames inMei begin. Dit gaan by Atlantic Studios, wat onder meer die tuiste van Suidooster, Koortjies, Sê jou sê en Kwêla is, opgeneem word en sal van Julie op kykNET &kie uitgesaai word.EnDean soek mense om deel van die gehoor te wees. Dit is gratis en al wat jy hoef te doen, is om so gouasmoontlik jou plek te bespreek. Sommer vandagnog.
WATOMTEVERWAGVAN'SHOW’KIE'?
Suidooster-aanhangers kanontspan, want “Wade” gaan nêrens heen nie, maar met Show’kie gaan Dean sy gunstelingpersoonlikhede van uiteenlopende genres voor die kamera laat verskyn.
Dink maar aan mense soosJawaahier Petersen,ShimmyIsaacs, DeanBalie, Tollie Parton en Mienke Ehlers.Daar’s musiekmense, daar’s lekkerkuiermense, daar’s mense-mense —reg in die kraal van almal se smaak!
Die vermaakaspek van die reeks gaan nie teleurstel nie, want kykers kan uitsien na ongelooflike optredes en verrassings. Diegene wat Dean ken,weet dat hy beslis nie op sy mond geval het nie. Maardié talentvolle akteur het ook baie wysheid om te deel. “Die lewe gaan oor balans. Jy werk hard; jy speel hard. Jy pluk die vrugte van dit wat jy insit. “Mag jy ook dinge hê wat joubly
CALMINGFEARINTHEMIDDLEOFTRAUMA
Trauma experts saychildren who testify in courtoften relive their experiences physically andemotionally. Fear, anxiety and stress can overwhelm the nervous system, makingitdifficult for children to thinkclearly or answer questions coherently.
Jelly Beanz Foundation, aTable Viewbased non-profit organisation dedicated to helping children affected by trauma, abuse and neglect.
Founded in 2009, Jelly Beanz provides therapy services, develops trauma resources, trains professionals working with children and advocates for better support systems for vulnerable young people.
MENSE VIR GEHOOR GESOEK
uitdaag, opgewondemaak en jou horisonne verbreed,” is sy boodskapaan die kykers. Met die energie wat hy in Show’kie inploeg, gaan daar wonderlike vrugte gepluk word —van groot gesprekke tot uit-die-maag-skaterlag. Daar gaan nie ’n saai oomblik wees nie. Gewaarborg. Deansêook hy is opgewonde en voel meer gemotiveerd om steeds ’n beter weergawevan homself te ontwikkel. En Show’kie is een groot treevorentoeop daardie pad.
HOEOMDEELVANDIEGEHOORTEWEES
Die vertonings vir Show’kie elke keer met ’n gehoor teenwoordig —word op die volgende dae by Atlantic Studios in MontagueGardens geskiet: . Vrydag15Mei vanaf 18:00; . Saterdag16Mei vanaf 15:00; . Donderdag 21 Mei vnaf 18:00; . Vrydag 22 Mei vanaf18:00; . Saterdag 23 Meivanaf 18:00. . Stuur‘ne-posnashowkie@gehoor.tvof WhatsApp 068 8142117sommer nouomseker te maak jyisindie gehoor!
Kriel said therapy dogs help regulate thoseemotional responses.
“That kind of non-judgmental, calm, safe presence helps children feel safer. It calms theirnervous system.
“Andwhen your nervous system is calmer,the parts of your brain that do the thinkingand come up with the words can work better.”
Duringthe in-camera testimony on 29 April Toffeeremained close to the teenagerthroughoutproceedings, helping himfind thestrength to continue.
Krieldescribed the moment as deeply emotional, saying thechildvisibly relied on the dog’s presenceduringdifficult parts of his testimony.
“To my knowledgeToffeeisthe first dog that hassuccessfully gonethrough the processwith achild,” she said.
Butshe stressed the achievement was not hers alone.
“It’s notjusta me process.Weneed prosecutors on board who are willing to take it on,put in applications and step outside of thenorm. There’s awhole team behind it.”
MORETHANJUSTACOMFORTINGPET
Toffee is notsimply afriendly dog wandering through therapy sessions.
Sheisa certified “fur-therapist” at the
Theorganisation’swork is rooted in a grim national reality. According to Jelly Beanz one in three SouthAfrican children is sexually abused before the age of 18.
"Boys are just as vulnerable to abuse as girls. Eighty-two percent of children have been directly exposed to violence in their homes or communities."
Against that backdrop therapy animals are becoming powerful tools in rebuilding trust and emotional safety.
“Children who have experienced trauma often feel ashamed, disconnected or different from others,” the organisation pointed out.
“Dogs offer unconditional acceptance. No words are necessary.”
Therapists say children frequently communicate emotions indirectly through the dog, sometimes revealing feelings they struggle to express themselves.
Achild may say, “Toffee is feeling sad today,” when in realitythey are describing their own emotional state.
CARRYINGONAHEALINGLEGACY
Toffee also carries the legacy of another beloved therapy dog, Danni, SouthAfrica’s first Newfoundland fur-therapist, which worked with traumatised children through Jelly Beanz.
While smaller in size Toffee has quickly become acomforting presence in therapy rooms.
“With her soft coat and calming presence Toffee offers comfort, connection and unconditional acceptance to children who have experienced trauma,” the organisation said.
“She is asymbol of healing, hope and trust.”
Dean Smith
Die Laerskool Vredekloof is trots op‘n gr.7-leerder,AkhileHans,watverlede week in die WP-o.13-seunshokkiespan opgeneem is.
DieKlofiesspogmet’n nuweleierskapprogram
Die Laerskool Vredekloof het hierdie kwartaal 'n nuwe leierskapprogram wat poog om jong leiers in dieskoolgemeenskap te ontwikkel,van stapelgestuur
Deur Die Klofie-monitorprogram treegraad 7-leerders as voorsitters en ondervoorsittters op vir verskeie portefeuljes om sodoende die graad 6-monitors te lei en te ondersteun in die nakoming van hul rolle in die onderskeie portefeuljes.
Dieportefeuljes sluit in
ONTWIKKEL LEERDERS
omgewingenorde, vriendelikheid in aksie,STEAMAC, sport, kultuur,snoepie, visueel en oudio, asook leerder- en onderwyserondersteuningsmateriaal.
"Die leierskapprogram help leerders om verskeie vaardighede aan te leer wat hulle eendag in die werksomgewing kan gebruik, soos hoe om ‘n vergadering te lei en hoe om notules van so vergadring te
hou,"sê’nskoolwoordvoerder “Deur verantwoordelikheid, spanwerk en diens ontwikkel die leerders vaardighede wat veel verder as die klaskamer strek.Ons monitorprogram is 'n uitstekende manier om leerders waardevolle vaardighede aan te leer wat in hoërskool, sowel as in hul daaglikse lewens en later as volwassenes toegepas kan word. “Ons sien uit daarna om die positiewe impak te sien wat hierdie leerders maak," sê die woordvoerder.
IlzeSwartrocksatAndriesOlivier
Atthe heart of the AndriesOlivier
DurbanvilleQuadriplegic Centre’s growing fundraising bookshop is aremarkable woman whose passion for books has transformedsmall beginningsinto athriving community project.
Ilze Swart, aretired librarian, and her dedicated team of volunteers haveplaced the simplebook project at the quadriplegic centre on the map.
“With her wealth of experience and deep love for books, she has brought structure, vision and energy to what hasbecome one of our most successful fundraising initiatives,” says Rosabelle Riese, a resident involved in the book project.
“In afour-year journey of growth, structureand communitysupport, the book project evolved from packed crates and boxes to apermanent bookshop,”she says.
SELECTINGBOOKSANDPACKINGCRATES
“Ilze has been instrumental in givingour books aforever home. In theearly days, she assisted with thedemanding taskof selecting and packing crates of books for various markets, from Rust-en-Vrede to the Presbyterian Church and beyond It was alabour-intensive process that required drivers and residents to assist with sales and the setting up oftables, gazebosand displays.
“Drawing on her background in librarianship and her involvement in fundraising initiatives forother organisations,Ilze graduallyintroduced a sense of order andpurpose
“What started as achallenging and timeconsuming operation, has evolved into a well-organised and sustainable fundraising initiative,” Riese says.
TURNINGPOINT
Asignificant turning pointcame in June 2022 with the arrival of thefirstcontainer donatedbyBreadline Africa—complete with built-in shelving and awheelchairaccessible ramp built by the QuadPara Association Western Cape.
An additional container arrived two years later —adonation by Vicky Oosthuizen.
Renovations were carried out by Vicky and Nick Price of GAP Aluminium,with a generousdonation of shelving by Graham
RETIREDLIBRARIAN ANDVOLUNTEER TEAM TURN SIMPLE BOOK PROJECT INTO AN EVENT
and Verna Moore, installed by Annamarie Mostert
“Theseall createdafunctionaland accessible bookshopspace. With careful planning and coordination, Ilze oversaw thetransition from packedboxestofully shelved and categorised stock,” Riese continues
ACCESSIBLESPACE
Today, the container bookshop, together withthe neatly arranged R5 section inside the house, offers an invitingand accessible space forvisitors.
Launched in November2022 with a vibrant R5 sale, theprojecthas continued to grow from strength to strength
Books aremeticulously sorted, priced andshelved, with even the R5 section arranged alphabetically —“asmall detailthat speaks volumesabout Ilze’s dedicationand attentiontodetail”,Riese says.
HIDDENGEMS
“Ilze coordinates every aspect of the donation process —from sorting and categorising to pricingand shelving. Nothing escapesher careful attention. She also has aremarkable abilitytoidentify hidden gems and valuable collectibles.
One suchtreasure, Die MeelblomToer, wasdiscoveredbyher and latersold at thecentre’s GolfDay auction for an impressive R3 000,” Riese says.
“On book market days, held everysecond Saturday of themonthatHuis Andries Olivier, Ilzeadds her personal touch through thoughtfully curated displays of unique andvaluable finds.
“Theseselections attract keen interest both at thecentre andthroughher connections with Friends of the Library organisationsinBellville andDurbanville
“Throughthese networks, she continues tomatchbooks with the right buyers, further boostingfunds for the centre Having built lastingrelationships over
manyyears, Ilze draws on awide network of book lovers andcollectors. We benefit greatly from these connections, which haveaddedbothvalueand reach to the project.”
DEDICATEDTEAMOFVOLUNTEERS
At thecore of this success is adedicated team of volunteers whose camaraderie and humourbringthe project to life.
As Gillian Watsonjokingly remarked, “I’m aretiredchief executive officer and now I’m cleaning shelves andfloors!”
Alongside Gillian andWillie Watson, Elize de Jagerand Annamarie Mostert continue to playaninvaluable role, supported by others who assist with lifting, sorting, transporting and maintaining thespace.
LABOUROFLOVE
“We aretruly grateful for Ilze’slabour of love —her leadership, dedication and generous spirit.
“Her legacylies notonly in the thousands of booksshe has organised, but in thesystemshe hasbuilt, thepeople she has inspiredand the lasting difference shecontinues to make. ‘Komkyk na ons winskopies,’ she often encourages, and thankstoher, there is always something special waiting to be discovered.
“Rainorshine, Ilze is there. Her commitment is unwavering, her approach consistent.Whenasked about her involvement, she simply says, ‘I enjoy what I’m doing. With abit of order and
IlzeSwart,a retired librarian,turned thesimple book project at Andries Olivier Durbanville Quadriplegic Centre intoathriving community-driven fundraiser
alove for books, we can turnsomething simple intosomething meaningful for the centre.
“While her contribution is immeasurable, Ilze is also mindful of the future. She has begun sharing her knowledge and systems with De Jager and Mostert,ensuring continuity and sustainability for the project.
“It’s not just about books. It’sabout people, relationships and creating something worthwhile together.The joy is in seeing it all come together for the benefitofthe centre,”Swart explains het passion.
“We also acknowledge the original book project committee, whose early efforts laid astrong foundation, as well as the many volunteers who have contributed along the way. Over the pastfour years, this initiative has grown through true community involvement. As the saying goes, ‘Rome was not built in aday’, but the collective effort of many has given this project and the centre an immense and lasting boost,” Riese concludes.
DONATIONS
Thecentre welcomes donations of books. Book lovers are invited to visiton Tuesdays and Thursdays between 10:00 and 15:00, or to join the book market held on the second Saturday of each month at Huis Andries Olivier, 18 Hafele Street, Durbanville, from 09:00 to 14:00. . Contact Allen(WhatsApp078 3935924) or Terence(WhatsApp 082224 5454)
THINKING OUTLOUD
Classrooms arestill filledwithdreamers
Returning to my old school recently brought back memories Ihad not thought aboutinmany years.
Ihad dropped my nephew off anda wave of nostalgia hit me. It felt asthough Ihad stepped into my younger self's world which was full of hope, dreams and determination. Iremembered sitting in those small bluechairs, staring out the windows and imagining afuturefar bigger than thecommunity. Even as achild,I knew there was more. Ikneweducation could unlock opportunities.
Icome from apoor background. My parents worked hard and there were many things we simply could notafford. I neverarrived at school wearing the latest fashiononcivvies day.Sometimes paying school fees felt impossible formyparents butthey never allowed our financial situation to become an excuse. Education was non-negotiable in our home. My parents remindedmethat no one could takeknowledge awayfrom me They believed education could change the direction of my life. Lookingback now, I realisethe sacrifices they made to ensure
EDUCATIONWAS NON-NEGOTIABLEIN
my sister and Ihad that opportunity.They may not have been able to give us material things, but they gave us discipline, encouragement and areason to strive My way of thanking them was simple, Iworked hard.Istudied,respected my teachers and made sureIachieved good marks. Iknew that every test passed and every report card improved brought me one step closer to abetter future.
Today as Iwatch learnersmaking their way to school in the morning,I cannot help but feelconcerned. On some days it is already 08:30and some are strolling to school with no sense of urgency. Some look disengaged and uninterested.It makes me wonder what haschanged. Have our young people become disconnected? Or are they simply overwhelmed by the realities they face daily?
Today's learners are growing up in aworld filledwith distractions, social pressures and uncertainty. Many are exposed to unemployment, violence, povertyand social media influences that can easily make education feel less important. For some, it maybedifficult to dream about the future when survival feels like the priority. This iswhy motivation cannot come from schools alone. Parents, communities, teachers and mentors all have arole to playin shaping young minds. Children need to see examples of perseverance. They need encouragement and guidance. Most importantly, they need hope. We cannot expect young people to value education if society appears to undervalue their potential.Sometimesall it takes is one teacher, one family member or one opportunity to inspireachild.
Iwish those in power would take up that challenge. How many leadershavewalked throughthe halls of their former schools and asked themselves what they could do to create lasting change there?Build more schools, morelibraries and saferspaces for learning. Invest in these future leaders and give them areason to be excited Create opportunities that make learners eager to get to school because they can see afuture waiting for them beyond the classroom.
As Ileft the school that day, Irealised the classrooms are still filled with dreamers, children with untapped potential waiting to be nurtured. The challenge ismaking sure they do not lose sight ofthose dreams beforethey evenbegin.
-KAYLYNNE BANTOM
Kommentaar // Comments
SLICEOFLIFE
CLIMBERSUNITEFORWCCHARITIES: Runners and hikers tackledPlatteklipGorge during the annual Cableway CharityChallengeonTableMountain.So farthis year they have raised over R964 000 that willhelppower the life-saving and community-driven work of four organisations: VolunteerWildfireServices (VWS),Wilderness Search andRescue (WSAR),Ubuntu Football Academyand SANParksHonorary Rangers.The publiccan stilldonateuntil Sunday 17 May.To pledge support,visit:www charitychallenge.co.za
PHOTO:NICK JOUBERT
Magmoeders vreugdeervaar
Hoe seer is seer?
Ek wens ek konvandag(Sondag10Mei) se trane —dié watoor my wangerol,asook die watdie padinwaarts kies —in'nemmer opvang.Ekwil seer meet Ek is heel,maar terselfdertyd stukkend. Ons is té geneig om voor te geedat als"oukei" is.
Soveel mensevier Moedersdag, maar vir baie van onsishierdie 'n diep seer dag.
Nesek, is daar soveel vanons watnie meer 'n mamma het nie.Die uitsoek én opmaak van'nspesiale geskenkie; die beplanning van'nheerlikesamesyn vir diehelegesin; en die dek van'npragtigetafel vir'n spesialepersoon ontbreek die eregas is niemeer met onsnie Mygedagtesbly dwaal oor al die verskillende seer watvandaginhou: My hartsvriendinne watnie kinders konbaar nie;dié watkinders konaanneem, maar ook dieuitdagingswat saam met dit komindie gesig staar;elkeliewe mamma watstruikel om kinders alleen groottemaak, omdat pappavroeg sy engelvlerkies gekryhet;die watmoet baklei vir onderhoudsgeld;die watdie pa-rol moet vervul weens'nonbetrokkepa; diewat baklei teen 'n regstelsel watsyeie tydneem sodat geregtigheid kangeskied. Ek dink ookaan die mammas watmoet sterk staan teen tieners watinopstand kom, watraadop,moeg of weerloos is;endie vrouenswat onder 'n hand deurge-
loop hetensukkelomhaar waardigheid en plek in die samelewingtevind, omdat sy die keusegemaak het dat genoeg genoeg is.
Dis julle.Dis ons. Hierdie is die ma's vandie wêreld watvandaggesalueer moet word,maar watsoms so misgekykword. Ons draswaar.Ons skouers hang bietjie vooroor,ensoms komons vaal en onopvallend, verstrooid en vergeetagtig voor.Daar is storms wat nooit ophou raas nie. Daar is mensewat luister,maar nooit hoor nie. Wees assebliefnet genadig!
En vir die watwonder of God nogwakkeris. wanneer jy dit die minsteverwag, komverras Hy jou met 'n helderkleurigeEva wathaar ontferm oor'n alleen-mamma.
Daardie spesialevroue wiesehartesagterassag is; diéwat metsoveeldeernis en egtheid onsvrouwees, deuraldie krake, raaksien. Dis daardie Evawat inspring en 'n pakkie posofjou kinders nader trek om ietsie spesiaals vir jou te beplan,ofvir jou die styfstevan styfstedrukkiegee en so ekstrabietjie langer vashou.
Magelkegebrokemoederhart geliefdvoel onder haar eie omstandighede en magdaar iewers 'n teken vir jou wees dat jy waardig mamma is. As jy nie voor jou kinders wilhuil nie. is vandagdalkjou dagwat jy dit kanloslaat terwyl jy saam met hulle deur die reën hardloop.Glo in jouself, ystervrou! Irushka, BRACKENFELL
CityofCape Town: quo vadis?
Therecent “snot klap”mayor Geordin Hill-Lewisand his DA compatriots received in theHigh Court has reference.
Formonths we,the ratepayers of Cape Town, have berated himfor usingthe middle-class as avehiclefor apolicyofcross subsidisinghis socialist programme Nowthe courts have agreed with us andwhat does this young man do?Hetries to shame the ratepayers, who payhis inflated salary,intofeelingashamed for notagreeing to hisoutdated socialist agenda.Wedid not agreetoanunfunded spending spree on our dime to help him in avote-buyingcampaign
One wouldhavethought that during hisvarsity yearsheand hismanagementteamwouldtake cognancyofMaggie Thatcher’s famous words: “The problemwith socialism is that eventually yourun out of otherpeople’smoney”. And in 2025-’26 he and his team haverun out of money becausethisyearCoCT plans to borrowR1,2billion just to payfor previous years’ excessive spending.
In plainspeaking it meansborrowingmoremoney
to payfor borrowingprevious years, whilst spending moneytheydon’t have!Inwhatuniverse do these peoplelive?
We have seen howmunicipalities, including the City treatthe solidmiddleclass as agift that keepsgiving, hencethe increasing ratestaxation year on year.And year on year thesemunicipalities placatetheir staff andthemselveswith annual salary increaseswith no reciprocal performanceincreasesbecause the middle classkeep funding their ridiculous plans. Typically like trying to provide brick andmortar houses to anyeconomic migrant who ends up without ahouse. And howdoes he plan to generatemore money? By increasingyour propertyvalue andrates purely on the basis of properties sold in your area,i.e youare taxedon“unearned profits”,the exactprinciple the British parliament struck down when Keir Starmer andRachel Reeves tried it Do youthink the mayorwillheed ourcalls?Idon’t think so Francois JMarais, DURBANVILLE
Stingray birth shows moremust be done
In the TygerBurger of 6May 2026 residents of Table View andMilnerton arequotedstating that the recent stingray birthing incident shows that the clean-up efforts arestartingtobeeffectiveand gives renewed hope that the lagoon is slowly coming back to life HowIwish that this were true!
But what we witnessedonWednesday29April is that ashort-tail stingray femalewas stranded on the beachand through stress spontaneouslyaborted24 pups. Thesetinyreplicas of their mother stillhad their yolk sacs, whiletheir gills andother organs were not fullydevelopedyet
Sadly, theywerenot viableand none of them survived despitethe best efforts of communitymembers andrepresentatives of the TwoOceansAquarium. We canonlybut hope that at leastthe mother,who was escorted back intothe deep by the aquariumstaff, managed to recoverand survive.
Is the heart-rendering lotofthesemagnificent creatures notjust another illustration of howthe volume of sewage that the CityofCape Town discharges into the oceankills marine life,degrades critical habitats, andharms the ecosystems on whichhumansdepend fortheir ownsurvival?
On Milnertonbeach dead fish, molluscs, crustaceans, starfish, jellyfishand birds, besides disgusting washed-up rubbish, bear witness to decreased dissolvedoxygeninthe lagoon andsea andthe wide array of toxic pollutants contained within sewage Please,Cityand Mayor, the cityneeds to work forour sea.
LViljoen,MILNERTON
Chop upsneed repairs
As burst pipe repairs areundertaken, the huge question is:isthis departmentnot reporting their recent workmanship to, Ipresume, another department to do proper repairs to coverthe massivepotholes? Rainyseasonisupon us, andwith the expected downpours, the huge potholes willbecome camouflaged. Thepreventivemeasures to restoresafetyfor allroadusers is of utmostimportance Many unnecessaryincidents need to be avoided. Thesolutionisworking hand in hand with the different departments, who as mentioned “chopup” the surfaces andthose who “repair”the chopped up surfaces. Safety please,for allroadusers TessaLuck,GOODWOOD
Marineoutfallsmeetstandards
Cape Town's three marine outfalls at Camps Bay, Green Point andHoutBay continue to meet regulatory requirements, with the latest monitoringconfirming that surrounding coastal waters remain within recommended limits for recreational use The findings were presentedat the Permit Advisory Forum on 24 April.
COASTALWATERQUALITY
Monthly monitoring conducted between January and March this year shows that coastal water quality remains within recommended guidelines, confirming that the outfalls are not negatively affecting recreational water quality at nearby beaches.
The City of Cape Town said
BEACHESREMAINSAFENEAROUTFALL ZONES
during this period, 477 seawater samples were collected around the three outfalls.
More than 98% of samples complied with guidelinelimits, confirming thatnatural ocean processes continue to effectively diluteand dispersetreated effluent as designed.
Asmallnumber ofexceedances –approximately 1,7%– were recorded, mainly within the immediatemixing zones offshore andclose to the outfall discharge points, where occasional elevated readingsare expected.
Additionalsamplingwas undertaken at the edges of mixing zones during summer to validate dispersionperformance under peakconditions, the City
said. All threemarine outfalls remained fully operational duringthe reporting period, with no environmentalincidents recorded. Marineconditions remain stable and well oxygenated, while infrastructure continues to perform as designed. InternalCity laboratory results and independently audited external laboratory results show strongoverall compliancewith permit limits:
. Camps Bay: 91,9% (City samples), 98,5% (Auditor samples)
. Green Point: 88,1% (City samples), 100% (Auditorsamples)
. Hout Bay: 96,8% (City samples), 100% (Auditorsamples)
Sven Sötemann,manager: wastewater treatment branch in the City’swater and sanitation directorate,provides an updateonthe City’smarine outfalls permit requirements.
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Localwaveskistarreachesworldlevel
RICHARDROBERTS
RICHARD.ROBERTS@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA
Ayoung and talented South African waveski athlete is preparing to set off to Peru in South America in October where she willbe representing South Africaat the World Waveski Championships.
Cape Town resident Porcha Schelhase, mother of athlete Courtney Schelhase (20), a Stellenbosch Universitydrama student, saysthe family is currently busy fundraising to
COURTNEY PREPARES FORPERU
make this opportunity possible.
Courtney recently won the Open Women’s Division at the EP WaveskiOpen 2026 competition whichwas held in Jeffreys Bay in the Eastern Cape.
The event took place from 25 April to 26 April.
What makesthis achievement particularly special, her mothersays, is thatCourtney is currently ranked theNo. 1
waveski surferinthe world for Junior Women.
OCEANVSFAMILY
Courtney, an Edgemead local, balancesher university studies with ademandingtraining schedule, often putting in long hoursinthe ocean while also workingpart-time as awine tasteratanearby winefarm to helpfund hercompetitive journey,Porcha explains.
"Beyond hersport, she is also passionateabouthorses and servesonthe technical teamat
Edge Church."
To help her reach Peru later this year, the family has started with fundraising initiatives.
"We are running araffle with waveski prizes at the moment.
We are also planning aquiz night for the lastSaturday in June wherewewill also launch our next raffle, and actively tryto obtain sponsorship from bigger companies,"Porcha says.
CourtneySchelhase(20) from Edgemead in Cape Town.
