Woensdag, 15 Julie 2026
|Tel: 021 910 6500 |e-pos: nuus@tygerburger.co.za
|Website: www.tygerburger.co.za
Over the past weekend aspiring youngsoccerstars showed what they were made of.At theCapeGateshopping Centretheystepped ontothe“pitch”themselves to channel their inner Mbappéwhiletaking on avirtual goalkeeper withtheir best shots.Kylian Mbappé is aFrench professional footballerseen as oneofthe best in theworld
DESIRÉERORKE DESIREE.RORKE@TYGERBURGER.CO.ZA
obbery with aggravating circumstances took a sharp upward turn, and carjackings are on the rise in Brackenfell comparing to last yearJune, butresidential housebreaking fell significantly, the Community Police Forum heard at their monthly general meeting recently held.
ActingBrackenfell Station CommanderLtCol Ernest Campbell, whohas been in the role for six months, told the meetingthat Brackenfell remains primarily aproperty-crime area rather thanacontact-crime area, butwarnedthatpublic behaviour is contributingtothe problem.
“Vehicles parked at shopping malls with valuablesleft inside continue to attract criminals,” said Campbell, noting that despite community awareness campaignsand imbizos held to addressthe issue, behaviour has not changed sufficiently.
In this respect shopping malls
and Protea Heights Southremain persistent crime hotspots. He warnedthat adevice is available to identify laptops left in vehicles.
CURRENTCRIMETRENDS
Comparing June 2026 to the same period last year, crime trends presented amixed picture for Brackenfell. On thepositive side,murders were down by one, attempted murders by two, and assaultGBH by two.
Residential housebreaking droppedsignificantly —10 countslower —while business burglary dropped by two counts. Commercial crime fell by seven cases and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition by one.
However, several categories moved in the wrong direction. Robbery with aggravating circumstances rose by 12 counts including attempts, the sharpest increaseacross all categories.
Theft out of or from motor vehicles was up three counts, theft of motor vehicles and motorcycles up two, and common robbery up two, including attempts. Two more carjacking incidentswere recorded in the period under review.
Drunk driving offences, acrime heavily dependent on police action for detection, were up with one case and drug related crimes by six cases.
Reporting back on ajoint operation conducted on 29 June that included checks on foreign nationals in the area, Campbell said all individuals checked were found to be in possession of the required documentation.
Due to astanding moratorium on crime statistics, exact figures are only made public nationally on aquarterly basis. TOPAGE4
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Politieke inmengingendie plundering vandie Regeringspensioenfonds, beter bekend as die Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF), kom op Donderdag 23 Julie onder die loep op 'n vergadering vandie Associationfor Monitoring and Advocacy for Government Pensions (AMAGP),'n waghond oor die fonds. Ditisdie eerste keer dat AMAGP in die Wes-Kaap vergader. Dievergadering dienook as die stigtingsvergadering van die Wes-Kaapsestruktuur van AMAGP. Provinsiale strukture is reeds in KwazuluNata en die Oos-Kaap gestig.
BEDREIGINGVANPENSIOENFONDS "GEPF-pensioenarisse en staatsdienswerkers is onbewus van die geweldige omvang van die bedreiging van hul pensioenfonds," sê Albin Bowler, WesKaapsekoördineerder van die AMAGP. "Volgens verskeie mediaberigte verloor die pensioenfonds jaarliks miljarde rande met swak beleggings weens politieke besluite.Soisdaarindie 2023-'24-boekjaar meer as R100 miljard verloor weens plundering, asook verlore geleentheidskostes metdié swak besluite. "Alhoeweldie GEPF-bestuur gereeld spogdat dit die grootstepensioenfonds in Afrikais, is die opbrengs op belegging van die swakstes onder SuidAfrikaanse beleggingsfondse. Selfs die Vereniging van Staatsamptenare het in 'n verklaringop2 Julie sy ernstige kommer en ontsteltenis uitgespreek oor die plundering en swakopbrengste weens 'ongelyste ondernemings', of sogenaamde transformasieprojekte," sê Bowler.
OOGLOPENDEONGELYKHEID
"Daar is sistemiese onreg, ooglopende ongelykheid en diskriminasie as die GEPF se jaarlikse verhogings vergelyk word met die pensioenfonds vir politici, die Political Office-Bearers PensionFund (POBPF) "Vir die 2023-'24-boekjaar was die beleggingsopbrengs van die GEPF 'n powere 4,9% teenoor die POBPF se 10%. So gaan dit elke jaar.
"'nRede vir die GEPF se swak prestasie is dat geld in ongenoteerde projekte belê word. Hierdie sogenaamde transformasie-projekte presteer swak en vereis gereeld finansiële reddingsboeie.
So hetGEPF-pensioenarisse miljarde randverloor netmet Ayo Technology
Solutions. Laasgenoemde se oorspronklike kapitaalontvangs was R4 miljard. 'n Ander onderneming, Daybreak Foods,het in 2025 drie reddingsboeie ontvang. Die eerste twee het meer as R400 miljoen beloop.
"Hierdie kontras is moreel problematies, aangesien albei pensioenfondse deur dieselfde parlementêre prosesse geskep en goedgekeur is.
“Hoe kan politici dit regverdig om hul eie aftrede deur wetgewing goed te verseker, maar dan 'n wet maak vir diegene wat daagliks die staat se werk doen, wat hul belegging jaarliks koopkrag laat verloor," vra Bowler.
"Die GEPF se jaarlikse pensioenverhogings word beperk tot die inflasiekoers —spesifiek 75% van die vorige jaar se inflasiekoers. Oor tyd het hierdie beleid ’n kumulatiewe negatiewe effek. In skrille kontras hiermee het die POBPF geen soortgelyke plafon nie. Sy pensioenverhogings oorskrydie inflasiekoers gewoonlik met meer as dubbeld soveel,"gaan hy voort.
‘ONGELYSTEONDERNEMINGS’
"Die GEPF se Raad van Trustees het die diskresie om groter verhogings toe te staan: gelyk aan en selfs bietjie meer as die inflasiekoers. Wanneer pensioenverhogings gelyk is aan die inflasiekoers of selfs effens meer,word dit verkondig as ’n ‘buitengewone prestasie’.
"Diegene wat hierdie 'ongelyste ondernemings' stig, wil geld hê. Hulle wil nie kapitaal of reddingsboeie by banke of nywerheidsbeleggingskorporasies leen nie, want sulkelenings moet met renteterugbetaal word. Die politieke invloed en die oorheersing van vakbondverteenwoordigers in die GEPF se Raad van Trustees —waarvan 13 van die 16 trustees lede van die ANC en Cosatu is —dra by tot swak bestuur, swak beleggingsbesluite en lei tot finansiële verliese.”
Die vergadering begin om 11:00 by die NG kerkStellenberg. Onder diesprekers is Zirk Gous, voorsitter van AMAGP, en Strini Govendor, koördineerder:massamobilisasie van AMAGP. . Kontak AlbinBowlerbyalbinbowler@gmail comombywoning te bevestig.
DESIRÉERORKE DESIREE.RORKE@TYGERBURGER.CO.ZA
Apanicked voicenotesenttoa community group just before20:00 on Thursday eveningset off adesperate race againsttime. But for the manstanding atop the edge of the Okavango bridge in Brackenfell, help arrivedmoments too late
The voice note,sent by amember of the public who had spotted the man in distress on the bridge, reached Titanium Securitas at 19:55. “Cananyone help us please. There is aman standingontop of the Okavango bridgeitlookslike he wants to commit suicide.”
“Within moments, responderswere on theirway. But when they arrived, the man was no longeronthe bridge. He was found lyingonthe N1 highwaybelow, where witnessessaid he had been struck by two movingvehicles,” Titanium spokesperson Kobus Kotze told TygerBurger
“He was sadly declared deceased on the scene. Nothing could be done for him.”
Onlookerswereleftshaken as his body was covered.
Titanium Securitas extended itssincere
DESIREE.RORKE@TYGERBURGER.CO.ZA
Durbanville Majorettes Club has exceeded all expectations at this year's provincial championships. Now the club is appealing to the community and business sector to help send its athletes to the national stage
The local drummies who hasjust been crowned provincial Large Drill champions is urgently appealing for financial support to compete at the2026 FDDCMSANational Championships, andwithout it, some of the Western Cape's most talented young athletes may not make it to the starting line.
Durbanville Majorettes Club (DMC), basedatAristea Primary Schoolin Kraaifontein, was founded in 2019 to provide young athletes from all backgrounds with access to the sport. Now in its seventhyear of competition, DMC supports approximately 60 junior and senior athletes of all backgrounds drawn from schools across Kraaifontein, Durbanville, Bellville, KuilsRiver and surroundingcommunities.
The athletes trainfor up to 23 hours per week, including weekends and school holidays," says the club's Yvonne Viljoen. "Beyondthe medals and titles, majorettes havehad asignificant impact on the lives of many of ourathletes by building confidence,discipline, leadership skills and astrong sense of belonging."
"Many of the children join the club shy and unsure of themselves, but through training and competition they grow into confidentyoungpeople whoare proudof their achievements and supportive of their teammates. For some, the club hasbecome asecond family and apositive space
where they can develop both personally andathletically."
What makesthisyear's success even morespecial, she says, is that manyof these athleteshave overcome financial andpersonal challenges while dedicating countless hours to training
"Qualifying for nationals represents the reward for years of hard work, commitment andperseverance.Our greatest achievement as aclubisseeing these young people realise theirpotential andbelieve that theirdreams are within reach."
WithProvincials 2scheduledfor 1August, the team continues its preparations for nationals, providedthe necessary fundingcan be secured.
The appeal comes on the back of a remarkable performance at the first round ofthe Federation of Dance, Drill, Cheerleadingand Majorettes Western Cape Provincial Championships, where the DMCJuniorTeamwas crowned FDDCMWC ProvincialLarge Drill Champions,claiming first placeinthe Leader,Subbies, Squad, Displayand Overall categories.
The team also secured numerous podium finishes, includingfirst placeinthe NonProp Mini event. Individual honourswere claimed by Kaitlyn Metcalf (secondplace,
Baton Solo), Kiara Kali (second place, Non-Prop Solo), CorneRyke (third place, Baton Flag Solo) and Peyton Goliath (third place,Non-Prop Solo), while the Non-Prop Trio of Kaitlyn Metcalf, Eshnicka Gordon and Cassidy Klein placed second in their category.
Theclub's seniorteamalso performed strongly at Provincials 1. Asikelele Tsetswa andRea Makaloiclaimed third placeinthe SeniorNon-Prop Duo/ Trio, with AsikeleleTsetswaand Peyton Goliath finishingthird in theSenior Baton Duo/Trio. The Senior Non-Prop Mini Formation and Senior Non-Prop Group each placedfifth.
Theclub's standing was further underscored by the selection of five DMC athletes for the SouthAfrican National Team, which will represent the countryat the International Association of Majorettes World Championships in Polandin August.
With the national championships set to take place at Huguenot High School in Wellington from 24 September to 1 October,the club needs to raise in excess of R200 000 to cover accommodation, transport, meals, registration fees and equipment.
. Contact Yvonne Viljoenon082 4997418or at yvonne.viljoen@ooba.co.za.
Pick nPay Preller Walk is allangeras’n dekade nou betrokke by dieMatrikulant van dieJaar-kompetisie.
Volgens John Pentz van dié winkel in Bloemfontein weerspieël hul betrokkenheid ’n kernwaarde wat deur die stigter, Raymond Ackerman, gevestig is: om terug te ploeg in diegemeenskappe wat die onderneming ondersteun.
“Ons voel bevoorreg om deel te wees van hierdie gesogte geleentheid waar ondernemings ’n betekenisvolle bydrae kan lewer tot die lewe van ons jeug
Pentz meen dissipline en doelgerigtheid is die eienskappe wat toppresteerders in ’n kompetisie soos hierdie onderskei.
“Topkandidate —trouens, enigiemand met dissiplineen’ndoelomdie beste te wees watjykan wees—sal slaag op die lewensreis. Onsvolg almal verskillende paaie,enpassie vir dit waarvoor jy geroep is,maak ’n groot verskil in die lewe.”
Verlede jaar se wenner, Kiara Subramanian,sêsysal altyd dankbaar wees datsydie kompetisie gewen het.
“Dit het my die geleentheid gegeeom
’n mediese student in haar eerste jaar, die belangrikheid van verbondenheid en aanmoediginggeleer.
Nog ’n 2025-finalis, Laura Andrade de Ponte, wat vanjaar mediese fisika studeer, het ook in die eindronde in Bloemfontein hegte vriendskappe gesmee.
“Hierdie vriendskappe het vir my groot steun gebiedtoe ek metuniversiteit begin het.Die bande wat ek metdie chaperones (die vorige jaar se finaliste) opgebou het, het my ook gehelp om baie vinniger by die universiteitslewe aan te pas,omdat hulle
“Imagine allthe people, living life in peace.”
Perhapstheselyrics have sparkedafamiliar melody forwhoever’sreading.
This evergreen seventies tune,“Imagine”, from former Beatles band leader John Lennon, has become an anti-waranthem forpeace,justice,equalityand most importantlyempathy, awordwhich seemstobe deafened and bludgeoned in this “age of outrage”we find ourselvesnavigating.
He wasshot four times in theback by a“fan” afterhe autographed his album anddied afew metresfromhis hotel in ManhattanonDecember 8, 1980
Thesong “Imagine”, released during the Vietnam war, which killedoverthree million youngmen,children mothers and fathers, is accompanied by asoftpiano and gentlemelody and sounds like aprayerorpleafor understanding in atimeofsenselessbloodshed.
During the war, despitethe news reports commenting on the latest batchofdeaths anddestruction, many young men were drafted and sent in droveslikebullets in an assemblyline
Tragically the song has become anidylliclament fora societywherewecan allrespect andcarefor each other regardless of skin colour,cultureorcreed
Luther King Jnr,who preachedpeace and non-violenceinhis quest to fight race segregation and inequality,was assassinated along with Malcolm X.
As if the call forbasic dignity and equalrights is so outrageous it couldleadtodeath.
Ironically the authorofUtopia, Sir ThomasMore, also lost his head forhis visions forafuture society
He wasbeheaded in 1535 fortreason, afterherefused to accept King HenryVIII as the Supreme Head of the Church of England.
Thenovelcriticised greed, powerand supported women’srights and religious freedom, during aconservativetime in the 16th-century under the king’sreign. Even musical legend Bob Marley whose protest songs supported peace, freedom and “One Love”, wasshot but survived apolitically motivated assassination attempt ahead of the 1976 general election in Jamaica. This act howeveronlyfueled hisdesiretocontinue singing about the struggle to love in an unsympathetic world.
Thesedaysapathyand cynicism have become a popular camouflagetoendurethe widespread hate, violence, intoleranceand propaganda infiltrating our psyches wherever we go
Whether doom-scrolling on our cellphones, listening to the news on our car-radiosorevenstoppingfor a quickcatch-up at work, we’reflooded with the latest tragic news
Onceagain we’llhearabout the latest airmissile strikeinthe MiddleEast,the priceofpetrol and goods skyrocketing again, the unrestricted plagiarismof AI modelsregurgitating artworksand voices,all forthe sake of profit
Thesedaysthe integrity of the newsroom hasalso been moreimportant in the wake of variousinfluencers reporting on news and publishing their pieces, often with their ownagendas, without much considerationfor verifying information in the hopes of increasing followers and monetising theircontent.
Lately,the popularityof“rage-baiting” is also sad to witness too, you’veprobablyseen many videos of peoplemanipulating each other until an argument or violent fight occurs.
Research shows algorithms financiallyrewardanger whichcreates cognitiveurgency, compelling usersto comment,correct,orshareinreal-time,which all boosts engagement and virality.
Ireadthat the primitiveparts of ourbrain, the amygdala, scan the environment forthreats and process negativeinformation significantlyfasterthan positive experiences.
Pride and prejudiceseems to cloudour society even moresothesedays, whilethesealgorithms,these heartless systems capitaliseand advertiseonany content that canshackle the viewers in an endless loop that keepstheir profits high and ourattention spans low.
And so “Imagine”, asong of hope,remains more relevant than ever in 2026
-KEANAN HARMSE
With referencetothe articlethatappeared on your websiteon6Julywith theheadline “Exposure to smokeistaking atollonCape Town’sfirefighters”: It is unfortunate that the articlepublished on the UWC websitemisrepresented the findingsofthe study.The headline,for example, wasquitesimplymisleading. TheCityreached out to the researchers andthe headline hasnow been corrected.
Basedonthe study’s ownresults, only 278firefightersparticipated, with 53%showing some symptoms that included coughing,running nosesand headaches. That represents less than15% of firefighters within the CityofCape Town anditmustbenoted the study wasconducted while staff were on duty
Also to notethat97,8% of participants hadnormal lung function, which the research foundissignificantly higherthanthatreported in comparablestudies conducted in other countries.
To note, the Cape Town Fireand Rescue Service conducts afunctional abilitytest on aquarterlybasis,
which measures firefighters’ respiratoryrate.
In addition,firefighters undergo in-housemedical screeningbeforeevery physical abilitytest.Should theyhaveabnormal screeningresults, theyare referred to either their privatemedical provider or to the City’s occupational health department. Staff who driveand operateappliances andequipment must undergo compulsory medical testing everytwo years. TheFire Servicealsohas very strict medical screening in place forthose joiningits ranks. In addition, staff arerequired to follow fitnessprogrammes on their on dutydays.
Our staff aretrained to perform under allhazardous conditions andrespiratoryprotectionequipment is provided on everyfire enginetoensurestaff remain safe
We take the health andsafetyofour firefighters very seriouslyand we provide thehighest levelof respiratoryprotection in the form of aSelf-Contained Breathing Apparatus Set
JP SMITH, Maycomember forsafetyand security
Much has beensaid about illegalimmigrantsand the fact that manyhavenow returned to their home countries.Whether oneagrees with thatornot is a separate debate. What shouldnot be ignored is that manyemployers foundthese workers dependable. They arrived forwork, wanted to earn awage, followed instructions,and often communicated effectively becausetheycouldreadand speak English. Those qualities matterinevery workplace. This is not about praisingillegal immigration.The lawisthe law. It is about askinganuncomfortable question: whydid so manyemployers valuethese workers?
South Africahas thousands of hardworkinglocal employees, and theydeserve recognition. Butwealso
knowthattoo manybusinessesstruggle with absenteeism, poor punctuality, lack of initiativeand weak communication. Thoseproblems hurtproductivity andmakeitharder forbusinessestogrowand employ morepeople.
Perhapsinsteadofsimplycelebratingthe removal of illegalworkers, we should also askwhatmade manyofthemsuccessful in theworkplace. If ourown workforceadopted the same attitude towardsreliability, communication, punctualityand commitment everyone wouldbenefit. Thelesson is simple. Good work habits have no nationality. They areachoice. And the more people who make that choice, the stronger our economywillbecome GREG, E-mail
Na aanleiding vanverlede week se brief"Kapenaar watdie wolkemis" (1/7/2026) geeekmymening. Die bestemanier om enigeplekinAfrikaseweer te verstaan,isomopDStvkanaal 400BBC in te skakel om 13:25 en 19:25 (ons tyd).
Dit fokusopAfrikamet satellietwaarnemings. Daarin kanduidelik gesien word watverkeerdismet die Kaapse weer Normaalwegdraai die wind wesofnoordwes in die winter.Vir maande al waai dit egtersuid en suidwes. Dit stoot die tollende stelselindie middel vandie AtlantieseOseaan watmet koue fronte reën moet bring, wegvan die Kaap af Die gebrek aan koue fronte beïnvloed ook die OosKaap en KwaZulu-Natalmet oorstromings,omdat die westewind dit nie bereik nie,enhulle kryreën uit die Stille Oseaan watook blytol
Die opbouende El Ninowes vanAmerika raak al sterker; dit beïnvloed die jetstroom en het die gevaarlike hitte in AmerikaenEuropaveroorsaak 'n Baie warm someriswaarskynlik op pad. Hou dus op om drinkwaterinutoilet af te spoel, vang stortwateropin'nemmerengebruik dit vir die toilet
WAARNEMER,Bellville
Iwonder what happened to the grandplans at Athlonepower station site, after having spent afew thousand(millions perhaps) on the project. Nowthe Citywants to re-developthe parking area at Athlonestadium forhousing andcommercial purposes, whilestadium visitors fear theymight find themselveswithout aparking facility. So whynot buildabig commercial andresidential centreonthe parking lotwith adequateparking under or above?But as forresidential, Iwould notwant to live therewith allthatnoisefromtrafficand the stadium.
PETER SMULIK,
Rugby
We live in atimewhenithas become fashionableto criticise those in uniform.
Social media is flooded with videos of what went wrong, rarely with footageofwhatwentright. And yet, dayafter day, men andwomen in the policeshowup, oftenunderstaffed, underresourced, andunderappreciated to do ajob that most of us couldnever do They respond to callsinthe earlyhours of the
morning when the rest of us areasleep.Theywalkinto situationsthatothers run awayfrom. They deal with trauma, violence, andheartbreakona dailybasis, and thengohome to their ownfamilies andtry to leaveit allatthe door
Most of the time,noone says thank you. Iamnot naive. Iknowthatthere arethose within the service who have letcommunities down, andaccountability
matters.But it wouldbedeeplyunfair to allowthe actions of afew to overshadowthe quiet dedication of the manywho servewith integrityand honour To everyofficerwho hasstood between acommunityand harm, your servicedoesnot go unnoticed by allofus. South Africaisnot an easy countrytopolice. Thankyou fortrying anyway THANKFULL, Brackenfell
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South Africa’s premier university football competition returns with an exciting new look asVarsity Football 2026 gets underway in August.
Thewomen’s tournament kicks-off on 1August and will be contested over two weekends beforeattention shifts to themen’s competition, which runs from 7August to 2October. This season introduces oneofthe biggest changes in the tournament’s history with Varsity Football moving to Fridaynightsfor the men’scompetition. For the firsttime, supporters can kick starttheir weekends by enjoying thecountry’s best university football under the lightswith selected matchesbroadcast live on SuperSport.
Siya Noqayi, Varsity Football Code Manager, believes the continued growth of the competition reflectsthe increasing quality and competitiveness of university football in South Africa.
“Every season VarsityFootball continues to raise the standard both on and off the field. We are excited to introduce Friday night football this year where we won’t just be hosting afootball tournament. We will be creating amovement. With the women’s tournament expanding its footprint and the men’s competition welcoming new teams alongside the return of familiar rivals, we are looking forward to another unforgettable season that celebrates talent,opportunity andthe passion of football”.
The women’s tournament will once again showcase the country’s top student footballers, with WSU, Wits, UL, CPUT, TUT, UJ, UP Tuks and three time champions UWC competing forthe title over two action packed weekends. Defending champions UWC will be aiming
tomake history by securing afourth Varsity Football women’s title, while the restofthe field will be determined to stop the Cape side from extendingits dominance.
The men’scompetitionpromises another fiercely contested campaign with current champions UFSreturning to defendthe titlethey claimedinmemorable fashion last season beating TUT 5-4 on penalties. Joining the men’s competitionthisyear is the University of Limpopo, while UWC makes awelcome return after missing out on last year’s tournament. NWU and CUT missed out on qualification,underlining the increasingly competitive nature of Varsity Football.
UFS headcoach Mokete Tsotetsi sayslast year’s triumph hasonly strengthened the squad’s desire to defend its crown: “Lifting the trophy last year was an unforgettable feeling of pride andjoy. It meant everything to theplayers because we understood howmuchhard work, sacrifice andcommitment hadgoneinto achieving that moment.Wefelt we weren’t just winning forourselvesbut for everyone who supported andbelievedinus. For the university it created arealsense of pride andunity across theentire community.”
Despite anumber of new faces in the squad,Tsotetsi is confident supporters will recognise theidentity that brought UFS success: “Fanscan expecta team thatplays with purpose, confidenceand
Defending champions UWCwillbeaiming to makehistorybysecuring afourthVarsity Football women’stitle.
PHOTO:CHRISTIAANKOTZE/ASEMENGAGE
determination. Although we’ve lost some keyplayers through graduation, the valuesthatdefine this team remain the same. Hard work,discipline, commitment and arelentless desire to retain the title will continuetodrive us throughout the season.”
FANCHALLENGE
Fans can also once again look forward to the#IyachesaFAN Challenge, exciting
matchday activations and unforgettable campus atmospheres. Tournament partners FNB,Suzuki and SportPesa continue to support the growth of university football and the development of student athletes across SouthAfrica. With Friday night football, two blockbuster tournaments and the country’sbest university talent ready to shine, Varsity Football 2026 promises another great season.
